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Hope Botanical Gardens or Hope Gardens, as most Jamaicans call it, is a popular spot especially for those who live in Kingston and surroundings. It’s where they go to relax on Sunday afternoon, or to enjoy nature.
With the nearby Hope Zoo, Hope Gardens is also a favorite destination for school trips – it’s on almost every school’s excursion schedule.
Hope Gardens sits on 60-acres of the Ligunaea Plains at the foot of the Blue Mountains. The property, originally part of Hope Estates, was acquired around 1881 and experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England, assisted in laying out the formal gardens. They introduced several varieties of endemic plants, rare flora and exotic species.
I’ve read that Queen Elizabeth II was so impressed by the Gardens that she gave permission for it to be called the Royal Botanic Gardens, Hope.
Through a series of unfortunate incidents, including devastation from hurricane, vandalism, and mismanagement, Hope Gardens fell into disrepair in the 1980s. It is now nearly back to its former splendor.
Hope Gardens has a lily pond, sunken gardens, orchid house, bougainvillea walk, and other attractions. It’s a great location for bird watching. Several species, including doves, egrets, Jamaican mango, yellow- and black-billed parrots, and different varieties of the hummingbird (Jamaica’s national bird) can be seen in the park.
Hope’s expansive space and lush environment make it a popular venue for weddings, reunions, picnics, festivals, yoga classes or a leisurely stroll.
Hope Botanical Gardens Particulars
Hours: Daily from 6:00 a.m. except on Labor Day and Hero’s Day.
Current Entrance Fees: Adults $5, Children (3 – 12 years) $3
Today, I’m linking up with Travel Photo Discovery‘s Travel Photo Monday. Be sure to check out other photos from around the world.
What amazing landscaping. I would love to visit this place someday. What a variety of trees could be found there.
Hope you get to visit one of these days. I think you’d like it.
What a gorgeous setting… Could spend hours there I bet.
Eliz
You’re so right, Elizabeth. I didn’t want to leave the day I was there. I stayed until about 4 pm,
taking in as much of it as I could.
Hi Marcia,
How spectacular – a lovely garden overlooking the mountain. It certain a lovely place to relax. It’s great to know that it’s almost back to its former glory after the devastation. It’s not called “Hope” for nothing after all.
It’s a lovely location, Marisol. You’re right — it’s not called Hope for nothing.
Very beautiful garden 🙂 I wish to visit someday
Hope you get to, Muza-chan.
Looks like a great place to spend a day in peace. I wouldn’t mind sitting on that bench and read a book.
I know what you mean, Salika. It is a great place to relax.
I’ve never been to Jamaica but these photos help convey how pretty it must be.
I’m glad Patti to be able to share Jamaica with you.
Love the photos. I love wandering through botanical gardens. They are so relaxing and beautiful.
Thanks, Anwar. They are relaxing and beautiful.
It still looks like a gorgeous place to visit.
It is, Ruth. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.
It’s a gorgeous place to wander and soak up all that tropical beauty, love all those amazing palms!
It’s definitely a great place to soak up beauty, Noel.