It is stating the obvious that most of us will be planting trees and shrubs to give us privacy, to hide something unsightly in our garden or in our neighbour’s garden, to reduce the effects of wind and particularly salt-laden wind as many of us live so near to the sea, to give us protection against the sun, and last but by no means least to give us pleasure. In the tropics the growth rate is so rapid that our maintenance programme will determine how quickly our garden takes on a mature look. If you consider the trees in your garden – trees that you have inherited or which you have planted yourself – I am sure that you will find that they fall into one or more of these categories.
There is a plant in my garden which seems to have been in full flower for weeks and weeks and which shows no sign of ending this remarkable display. It is known as the Sleeping hibiscus (Malvaviscus grandiflorus), a soft, woody shrub growing to a height of eight to ten feet, and native to this continent. It’s a plant which will take up a lot of space if it is allowed to, and I find the my secateurs are often in use to keep it within the amount of space I have for it. A friend of mine likened it to a fuchsia the other day, no doubt because of its characteristic drooping flowers, the petals of which are folded within each other and never expand to a fully open flower. It makes a colourful hedge, but as I’ve said, requires clipping frequently to make it do what you want it to do.
One new frangipani (Plumeria rubra) introduction to the garden means that another one, after many years of giving fragrance, has to go. The newcomer is an upright form bearing white flowers produced well above the foliage, and is quite a common sight in the ground of the mosque near to the entrance to Republic Park. The one that is to depart bears pinkish flowers and has a more spreading habit. One thing to bear in mind about propagating the frangipani is that small pieces can be snapped off larger branches and rooted easily. But certainly not immediately. They should be placed in full sunlight to dry out for several weeks, after which they can be inserted in pure sand and will quickly form roots. Frangipani are full of white latex, and this is why they have to be dried. You must take great care when handling and you must not rub your eyes when you have the latex (sap) on your fingers.
A few weeks ago I mentioned the Antigua Heath which are attracting regular customers for their nectar supply. So far I can always count on seeing a pair of hummingbirds, some golden orioles and a pair of blue sakis. These latter are becoming quite a rarity nowadays. Never particularly common I feel that the increase in the urbanization of the area may have something to do with this. One especially interesting thing about the Calliandra I have which is near to the patio, is that the flowers open fully in the evening. Also the leaves close up during the day to reduce water loss from the plant. When the flowers open up fully it becomes a paradise for the small community of birds which depend on its nectar. Walking a few years ago from Kato to Kurukubaru I saw a really superb red Calliandra which I would love to obtain, and which I have to confess would be a better acquisition than the pink form I now have. The birds may beg to differ, so for a while I might retain both until I can establish which one the birds prefer – pink or red. My newly acquired (three months) plant of Leea coccinea is now becoming nicely established. It is a collector’s item really, belonging to the Vitaceae, and produces small scarlet flowers and beautiful dark red foliage. Handsome, I would call it, although not an easy plant to grow – but I must try. Wherever you are in this lovely country take great care and may your God go with you.
