Marilyn Laing, gardener, and her son Leron who has been a versatile and hard-working summer student: he drives the Garden's ATV, mulches, weeds,rakes and has even painted the benches! Photo: Bahamas Parks, Gardens & Recreation
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Grand Bahama Island - Although the official opening is not planned until October 1st of this year, management and staff at the Garden would like to welcome the local community to participate in their guided tours that take place daily at 10:00am and 2:00pm.
When you come down to the Garden you may meet our gardening team who have been working so hard to restore the beauty of the Garden. You may also see the fruit of the labour of five delightful young men who were sent our way by Councillor April Gow.
These young men from the High Rock community of the City of Freeport were provided with a wonderful educational and summer employment opportunity to be a part of the restoration of one of the island’s treasures the “Garden of the Groves”. The services of these young men were personally underwritten by Councillor April Crowther-Gow for a period of 2 – 6 weeks.
Leron Laing, the son of one of our staff members, Marilyn Laing, also spent the summer working along with the team to bring the Gardens back to its former glory.
Summer students at Garden of the Groves assisting to relocate St. Francis of Assissi to a more prominent location for visitors to enjoy. Sergio Storr, John Smith, Leif Falconi Gow,Delano Garland. Photo: Bahamas Parks, Gardens & Recreation
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The Garden also hosted the young people of Freeport City Council's summer camp. Mr. Wellington Ferguson's enthusiasm was quite infectious when he brought his little groups through our gates and along the trails you can hear him mentoring, scolding, laughing and even praying at the statue of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Garden has become a place of peace and serenity once again. Take in the majestic old trees and the newly planted flowering vegetation that attract hundreds of butterflies. Watch the children play at our beautifully crafted cedar play set. Climb the steps up to the renovated chapel or let one of the Labyrinth volunteers introduce you to "walking meditation" on a sacred path.
Learn about the trees at the Garden by reading the many interpretive signs that give a brief description of the tree and a picture of it in bloom or fruit. You may also sip a cool drink on our "Lofty Fig" deck with a peaceful view of ponds and waterfalls.
The Lofty Fig Café is open Wednesdays through Sundays for lunch and dinner. Don’t miss happy hour on Friday nights from 6:00pm until…The menu and live entertainment changes weekly.
So, come down and take a look and while you are there, make sure to ask for your membership application to become a "Friend of the Garden of the Groves".
Freeport City Council summer campers with their teacher Wellington Ferguson during an environmental lesson at Garden of the Groves. Photo: Bahamas Parks, Gardens & Recreation
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