Castleton Gardens in St. Mary 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 navel orange and tangerine (1870).
Known for its array of plants, Castleton Gardens is a haven for many birds and offers a delightful appeal for anyone who wishes to hide away for a while from the hustle and bustle of a hectic life. Castleton was once famous for its majestic display of over 180 species of palms and a number of other plants which were introduced particularly from the famous Kew Gardens in England. Castleton Botanical Gardens is situated on 10 hectares of property, nestled in the ‘banana’ parish of St. Mary. It was a former sugar plantation owned by an Englishman, Colonel Castle. The establishment of this garden in 1862 was as a result of frequent flooding of Bath by the sulphur river. There was a need for a suitable place to house plants from Bath; therefore, many species of plants from Bath were transferred to Castleton. Castleton quickly became the most richly stocked garden in the Caribbean. At present there is about 25 species of palms remaining. The enchanting, serene environment of the garden and its exotic trees help to make Castleton an ideal area for nature lovers. Many species of interesting trees such as: Strychnos, from whose bark the medicine strychnine is obtained; African velvet apple; Rose apple; Mangosteen; and West Indian mahogany adds to the relaxing mood that can only be created by nature. Indeed, few tropical gardens have such a lovely situation, nestled in a mountain valley and bordered on one side by the Wag Water River that facilitates swimming. The garden is well maintained and is an attractive picnic area for both local and foreign visitors. .
Castleton Gardens are set deep in a mountain valley, and the property is also subject to flooding from the Wag Water River which meanders through the gardens. Nonetheless, Castleton soon became the most richly stocked gardens in the Caribbean and one of the truly spectacular gardens of the Western Hemisphere. Plants were transferred from Bath to Castleton, and the Spathodea and the Poinciana were first introduced to Jamaica via Castleton. The Bombay mango was introduced to Castleton in 1868 and the Navel orange in 1870. By 1897 there were nearly two hundred species of palm in the garden. Trees at Castleton include the Mouse-palm from Brazil, the Asian Beetle-nut tree, the Royal Palm of Cuba, the Camphor tree from China, the Liberian coffee, the African Tulip tree, the Immortelle from India and others from places as far away as Indonesia, Australia and Sikkim. The Wag Water River that runs by the Garden .
Castleton Gardens is located only 20 minutes from Kingston and is anchored on a landscape dominated by ravines and tall mountain ranges. This lush, unbelievably beautiful garden is located on 15 acres and is bordered by the main road on one side and a river on the other. The flora includes the most exotic, often indigenous ferns and majestic palms. Annual rainfall here is 45 inches! The picnic areas are sheltered by some of the island's most elegant trees. This is truly a nature-lover's paradise.
Castleton Gardens are set deep in a mountain valley, and the property is also subject to flooding from the Wag Water River which meanders through the gardens. The Wag Water River served as a additional bonus to the beautiful garden that settles in the shadow of the majestical Blue Mountain. The Wag Water River flows through Castleton parallel to the botanical gardens, adding to the serenity and pristine beauty of the area. This lush, unbelievably beautiful garden is located on 15 acres and is bordered by the main road on one side and a river on the other.
Castleton Gardens is located only 20 minutes from Kingston and is anchored on a landscape dominated by ravines and tall mountain ranges. This lush, unbelievably beautiful garden is located on 15 acres and is bordered by the main road on one side and a river on the other. The flora includes the most exotic, often indigenous ferns and majestic palms. Annual rainfall here is 45 inches! The picnic areas are sheltered by some of the island's most elegant trees. This is truly a nature-lover's paradise.