Castleton Botanical Gardens

Castleton Botanical Garden is one of the oldest public gardens in the Western Hemisphere and in Jamaica. This lush garden covers 10 hectares of land that was once a sugar plantation owned by Englishman Colonel Castle. It became a botanical garden in 1862 because the garden at Bath, St. Thomas, was frequently flooded. Many of the plant species from Bath were transferred here, for example, the Dracaenas. The garden’s development was also aided by the importation of numerous useful and ornamental plants chiefly from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England.

The garden is situated on both sides of the Junction main road and features some of the most exotic and often indigenous ferns and majestic palms on the island. There are approximately 25 species of palms remaining. Also included here are a variety of lilies, pines and bamboos. The huge branches of the garden’s ancient trees provide a haven for an array of exotic birds and wonderful lounging areas for visitors. On the lower side, a picnic area sits on the Wag Water River.