KingstonSights

Garden sights in Kingston

  1. A

    Castleton Gardens

    These gardens, straddling the A3, 27km north of Half Way Tree, are spread over 12 hectares on the banks of the Wag Water River. Many exotic species introduced to Jamaica were first planted here. The gardens, which rise up the hillside on the west side of the road, date back to 1860, when 400 specimens from Kew Gardens in London were transplanted on the former sugar plantation owned by Lord Castleton. More than 1000 species of natives and exotics are displayed. There’s a picnic area with cafeteria and toilets. The guides are unpaid (they’re not allowed to charge), but tips are welcome.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Sculpture Park

    This sculpture garden, on the grounds of the University of Technology, just north of the University of the West Indies campus, was unveiled in 2000 featuring nine sculptures by acclaimed Caribbean artists. Notable figures include Laura Facey’s sculpture of a woman’s torso stretched in a yoga position, and Basil Watson’s The Compass, depicting humanity shaping the environment with the use of technology.

    reviewed