The image of the palm tree has long been a recognisable emblem associated with the Caribbean region. Whether to illustrate palm fringed beaches or as a symbol of pride incorporated into designs for coats of arms by several nations: the Palm Tree is an important icon firmly attached to the Caribbean. Our most celebrated palm is the Coconut - a member of the arecaeae palm family and ubiquitous within our region. Our love for the palm is one of a passionate nature and in visiting Andrew Goodenough’s garden at Rotten Hill in Antigua I have been able to witness this passion in its most creative form. Andrew is more acclaimed for his architectural designs rather than for his ‘green fingers’, but he is nevertheless an enthusiastic amateur gardener. He was first introduced to the subtle pleasures of gardening at an early age in the rather cooler climes of rural England. A member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Andrew has been practising and living in Antigua for over 25 years, having set sail from England for the Caribbean in 1979. The gardens of Andrew’s hilltop home pay tribute to his sailing past... read more here.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
For the Love of Palm Trees
They are the quintessential sign that you have arrived... in the tropics. I haven't met a person who does not love them, in all their varied forms. From short and stubby to tall and proud, palm trees are as diverse as they are grand. Here is an except from A Passion for Palms, originally printed in Caribbean Homes & Lifestyle Magazine in the Autumn 2007 issue. Words and pictures by Janie Conley:
The image of the palm tree has long been a recognisable emblem associated with the Caribbean region. Whether to illustrate palm fringed beaches or as a symbol of pride incorporated into designs for coats of arms by several nations: the Palm Tree is an important icon firmly attached to the Caribbean. Our most celebrated palm is the Coconut - a member of the arecaeae palm family and ubiquitous within our region. Our love for the palm is one of a passionate nature and in visiting Andrew Goodenough’s garden at Rotten Hill in Antigua I have been able to witness this passion in its most creative form. Andrew is more acclaimed for his architectural designs rather than for his ‘green fingers’, but he is nevertheless an enthusiastic amateur gardener. He was first introduced to the subtle pleasures of gardening at an early age in the rather cooler climes of rural England. A member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Andrew has been practising and living in Antigua for over 25 years, having set sail from England for the Caribbean in 1979. The gardens of Andrew’s hilltop home pay tribute to his sailing past... read more here.
The image of the palm tree has long been a recognisable emblem associated with the Caribbean region. Whether to illustrate palm fringed beaches or as a symbol of pride incorporated into designs for coats of arms by several nations: the Palm Tree is an important icon firmly attached to the Caribbean. Our most celebrated palm is the Coconut - a member of the arecaeae palm family and ubiquitous within our region. Our love for the palm is one of a passionate nature and in visiting Andrew Goodenough’s garden at Rotten Hill in Antigua I have been able to witness this passion in its most creative form. Andrew is more acclaimed for his architectural designs rather than for his ‘green fingers’, but he is nevertheless an enthusiastic amateur gardener. He was first introduced to the subtle pleasures of gardening at an early age in the rather cooler climes of rural England. A member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Andrew has been practising and living in Antigua for over 25 years, having set sail from England for the Caribbean in 1979. The gardens of Andrew’s hilltop home pay tribute to his sailing past... read more here.
