Wog Water, wild! Castleton. At right a pretty pond pause and meditate. -Ian AllenARE YOU feeling a deep desire for nature, unspoiled? Castleton Gardens in south St. Mary is a frequent respite for city dwellers who live not far away.
There are many places for meditation beneath the garden's ancient trees whose sky high tops are home to birds, calling to each other unceasingly. Tree trunks are almost always in shadow from encroaching vegetation, but the bushy tops are sunlight bright. Look up and think of heaven.
Castleton Gardens lies on 10 hectares of land through which the Wag Water River runs. Located on both sides of the Junction main road, at one time these gardens boasted the best collection of plants on the island, including over 400 specimens from Kew Gardens. The Poinciana (1869) and Bombay mango (1869) tree were first planted at Castleton, as were the naval orange and tangerine (1870).
The garden is still home to many rare trees, but the sight of the not-so-rare, including the common mango tree, knarled and hoary, are reassuring reminders of our rural roots. Even the breadfruit tree that old show off with leaves fronded and pretty, are a sight for sore and jaded eyes.
