Upon our arrival, we were greeted by an iguana.
Our first stop was the orchid garden. Unfortunately, none of the orchids were in bloom - that happens later in the summer months. We were surprised because the visitor center had signs posted for the upcoming Orchid Festival on Sunday, only five days from now. The signage was very informative.
We were surprised by how dry and rocky the coral based soil was.
Nonetheless, there were some epiphytes to see.
Also some palm trees.
Next was the Heritage Garden, to show us what the small homesteads used to look like.
Then it was the Xeriphytic Garden for cacti, aloes, agaves and other succulents and low water use plants. The prickly pears at the entrance were loaded with cobwebs and spiders.
There were geckos on the agave.
And the Jamaica Poinsettia was starting to bloom.
Next came the color garden - it was indeed very colorful. And showing the British influence, it is the Colour Garden.
Nature is amazing. This large tree was apparently blown over in a hurricane (the exposed roots are to Patty's right, but then turned and grew towards the sunlight.
There were many, many more colorful plants.
This interesting plant had leaves that were red on the bottom and green and white on the top.
The next three photos are the giant fishtail palm - very unusual clumps of fruit.
Then it was on to the water garden. We think these were blue wing teals.
Finally, we went to the Woodlands trail - about one mile with a variety of woodland flora and fauna.
Patty saw an agouti eating what appeared to be a banana like fruit.
Look closely at the next photo to see the bananaquit bird.
Among the many warning signs was this one for the manchineel
The garden opened in 1987. It is quite nice, especially when you realize that Grand Cayman has only 52,000 people - a very small population base to support such a garden.
After that exciting greeting, we checked in at the visitor center and got maps of the garden. We were also given instructions on where to go.
Our first stop was the orchid garden. Unfortunately, none of the orchids were in bloom - that happens later in the summer months. We were surprised because the visitor center had signs posted for the upcoming Orchid Festival on Sunday, only five days from now. The signage was very informative.
We were surprised by how dry and rocky the coral based soil was.
Nonetheless, there were some epiphytes to see.
Also some palm trees.
Next was the Heritage Garden, to show us what the small homesteads used to look like.
Then it was the Xeriphytic Garden for cacti, aloes, agaves and other succulents and low water use plants. The prickly pears at the entrance were loaded with cobwebs and spiders.
There were geckos on the agave.
And the Jamaica Poinsettia was starting to bloom.
Next came the color garden - it was indeed very colorful. And showing the British influence, it is the Colour Garden.
Nature is amazing. This large tree was apparently blown over in a hurricane (the exposed roots are to Patty's right, but then turned and grew towards the sunlight.
There were many, many more colorful plants.
This interesting plant had leaves that were red on the bottom and green and white on the top.
The next three photos are the giant fishtail palm - very unusual clumps of fruit.
Then it was on to the water garden. We think these were blue wing teals.
Finally, we went to the Woodlands trail - about one mile with a variety of woodland flora and fauna.
Patty saw an agouti eating what appeared to be a banana like fruit.
Look closely at the next photo to see the bananaquit bird.
Among the many warning signs was this one for the manchineel
The garden opened in 1987. It is quite nice, especially when you realize that Grand Cayman has only 52,000 people - a very small population base to support such a garden.
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