Lush landscaping provides sanctuary for patients.
The Garden Club of Grand Cayman has given a helping hand to Jasmine, arranging for the beautification of its grounds.
Jasmine, formerly known as Cayman HospiceCare, recently opened in its new purpose-built facility just off West Bay Road, following a huge community fund-raising effort.
The Garden Club, which has supported the hospice for several years, sponsored the landscaping of the entire rear grounds of the building.
Vigoro
“Garden Club projects are usually hands-on, where members do all the work using their expertise,” says club member Ora Hollebon. “However, the hospice garden was so extensive, including moving of aggregate and removing trees, that it was considered too much for its members, who are mostly senior citizens. So, the Garden Club hired Vigoro to do the major part of the installation and club members did minor finishing touches.”
Much of the $17,100 funding that the club paid Vigoro came from Friends of the Garden Club – businesses in the community that support the non-profit organisation – as well as government grants. Vigoro also donated some time, design and materials to the effort.
Plants
Jasmine’s rear garden is 3,000 square feet, where Vigoro planted areca palms, cherry, buttonwoods, alocasia, dracaenas, bougainvillea, ixoras, ferns and other species avoided by iguanas (the area has been ridden with the pests).
Trees include many native species such as poui, poinciana and olives, with Vigoro staff working around existing species, where possible. Rock, timber and gravel were also included in the design to add dimension and contrast to the landscape.
The resulting garden provides a sanctuary for patients and their visiting family and friends.
Largest project
The Jasmine landscaping project is the largest community initiative that the Garden Club has undertaken since it was formed in 1957. Last year, members also concluded gardening projects for East End Sunrise Cottage residential home and the Golden Age Home in West Bay.
As of spring 2019, club membership stood at 95 and is growing annually, supporting good causes every year, as well as holding monthly meetings and regular garden tours for members.
“The main attractions of belonging to the club are the learning opportunities, community outreach, and the camaraderie that the club offers to all its members,” says Ora.
Anyone interested in joining the Garden Club can contact Janet Morse on [email protected].
