Wendel Abel

I have several hobbies but gardening is the one that I really enjoy the most. I engage in gardening twice per day and it certainly provides me with an opportunity for daily exercising.

As a hobby, gardening provides a great opportunity for networking and meeting many wonderful people as there are many gardening- related organisations here in Jamaica, the Caribbean and around the world. Getting involved in gardening can, therefore, make a great difference to your life.

One of the local organisations for gardening enthusiasts is the Jamaica Horticultural Society which is based in Kingston but has local chapters around the country in Portmore, Spanish Town, Mandeville, Black River and Montego Bay.

Gardens add value

Gardening serves other practical and aesthetic purposes. A good garden adds beauty and value to your property and to your life. Gardening is an activity for all age groups and it can be very fulfilling. I encourage persons who have a lot of time on hand and persons who are retired to consider taking it up and why not join the Jamaica Horticultural Society.

Regardless of the available space, you can have a great garden. Potted gardens are great for apartments or townhouses where the space may be limited to a balcony, a patio or small piece of land.

A drive around Orange Grove or Aylsham is always worth it. These communities have some of the most beautiful small gardens. Take a trip there one of these days and, if you do, remember to respect people's community and, of course, do not steal.

Garden hopping

Garden hopping is a great activity, especially on weekends. Why not start discovering Jamaica again by visiting some of our gardens. You may do this alone or with company.

Jamaica is a country of many secrets. There are many large private gardens in Jamaica and several of them are open for viewing. As you get to know people and start networking, you will know more about these private gardens.

My favourite private gardens are located in the Blue Mountains. Yes, in the heart of coffee country. Take a drive from Kingston to Irish Town then onto Hollywell Park and, from there take the trek through the Green Hill Forest and then to Silver Hill.

On your way up, stop at Crystal Edge restaurant in Irish Town; it is a most charming location and the food is great and affordable. Next to the restaurant is the most gorgeous coffee shop with a nice collection of pastries.

Heritage Gardens

Before you get to Newcastle there is the Heritage Gardens, a beautiful private garden. Stop at Newcastle and refresh yourself. Head to Hollywell Park; Strawberry Hill is nearby. It is not only a hotel but it boasts one of the most exquisite gardens in Jamaica.

Before you get to Hollywell, you pass Greenwich. Greenwich is a private community with some of the most beautiful weekend cottages and private gardens.

A stop at Hollywell Park is always worth it. After that stop, continue on through Green Hill. Along this path there are numerous gardens and the roadside is decorated with such plants as hydrangeas, azaleas and agapanthus lilies. If you are fortunate, you may see peacocks perching on trellises or strutting through gardens.

Then on to Silver Hill. At Silver Hill there is the most charming hotel, the Star Lite Chalet and there is also a private garden nearby . Visits can be arranged.

It's great exercise

The Cinchona Gardens are in the Blue Mountains. It has taken a battering from several hurricanes and the access roads are difficult to negotiate. This garden houses a spectacular collection — Cymbidium Orchids, gardenia, wisteria and a large collection of lilies to name a few.

This is the time to reorder your life. Try gardening. It is a great way to exercise, an opportunity to socialise and it certainly is a means to reduce stress and maintain your mental health.

Hope that you visited the Jamaica Horticultural Society flower show last weekend, it is one of the largest flower shows in Jamaica. It is always a great place to collect plants, meet friends and start a new life. Put it in your diary and see you there next year.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept. Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.