THE BACK to nature desires of Jamaicans were much in evidence at the Jamaica Tourist Board's Cariflora festival yesterday on the grassy acres of Kings House over the weekend.
Corporate Area students, retirees and even tourists visiting the parish capital were trying their best to denude the booths of flowering plants and art, or just admiring what was on show.
Sixty-seven year old Cinny O'Donnell from Pensacola, Florida, a member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, was both at work and having fun at the event. In addition to giving several floral arranging demonstrations during the three-day event, she plans to take notes."We are just having a most wonderful time seeing all the beautiful tropical material. It is a real treat for us," she said. Student Shanee Graham, seen with a tiny pot of marigolds in the Shields and Shields booth, told us that she was purchasing the plant for her mother.Josephine Crooks, a retiree who described herself as a flower fanatic and who was found in the same booth, told us, "I have a collection of plants that is more than I can find space for, but I have a passion for plants."
She said that perhaps, she may be able to sell the plants to others. "When you are my age it's hard to get a job, so I am hoping I will be able to sell them eventually."
The visual allure of small potted plants in bloom such as chrysanthemums, blue bells, petunias, salvia, lantanas and a new favourite called the cleonie sparkler were the largest crowd pullers, though a number of people were also seen loading flower pots into the backs of their Pajeros. For many gardeners, it was enough to collect new plants, but others made it their business to meet fellow hobbyists at the show.
To the east of the property under a greenhouse of sorts we met several members of the UK Royal Horticultural Society, the local horticultural society and RADA who were judging the competitive category.
Mike Holmes, judge and representative of the Royal Horticultural Society, UK, commented, "So far, considering that this is an inaugural event, I see tremendous scope for development. This is a tremendous effort. The building blocks are in place. There are just a few teething problems, but this is expected. It is good to see so many school children here," he said. Restaurateur and artist Balfour Douett was in charge of Flower Power, a booth featuring miniature succulents in glazed, coconut containers. His venture is the result of a hobby turned into business, he said. The succulents in coconut shell were first used in his restaurant decor, but in response to the demand of guests, he has expanded. Now is engaged in a regular industry of turning plants into art, using other natural materials including banana bark, river stones and sea shells.
-- Avia Ustanny
