DOMINICA BOTANIC GARDENS

North of Roseau and at the foot of Morne Bruce, Dominica's botanical gardens are within easy walking distance of the city center. The gardens are the largest in the capital. The site is home to over 50 species of native plants and imported trees, as well as the Sisserou parrot, emblem of the national flag. The gardens were founded in 1891 on the site of a former sugarcane field. They benefit from optimal climatic conditions for the development of tropical plants. The gardens were organized in two parts, the first for ornamental purposes, the second dedicated to the development of plants for local agriculture.

In 1889, the Royal Government decided to encourage crop diversification on the island. It distributed plants and seedlings to farmers. The site now covered 40 acres, part of which was planted with sugar cane and sold to the government by William Davies, owner of Bath Estate. The garden's curator, Henri Green, began the main work on the plantation. In 1892, Joseph Jones took over the garden. It became his sole passion and lifelong vocation. The botanical garden's function was essentially economic and experimental. Exotic plants were collected from all over the world when it was part of the Royal British Garden of Kew.

On several occasions, the park has been visited by the royal family of England, including Queen Elizabeth II in 1966 and 1985. A cricket ground, the most official on the island, is located in the park, as are two churches (Anglican and Catholic), built between 1800 and 1916. By 1930, the site was one of the finest botanical parks on the English Isles. Cyclone David left its mark in 1979, destroying the park's most impressive and oldest trees. The remains of a bus can still be seen under a baobab tree, which was blown over by gusts of wind. At the far end of the park, it's not unusual to hear parrots singing the praises of the past.

The Forestry Department and the National Park offer a map of the gardens, captioned to help you recognize the different species. The gardens suffered greatly from the devastating Hurricane Maria in September 2017. Nevertheless, the visit remains enjoyable. "The Gardens" continues to enjoy an idyllic setting for recreation, parades and celebrations. Its beauty and serenity make it one of the true jewels of the Caribbean.