Hunte's Gardens

This past weekend we took a family trip to Hunte's Gardens in St. Joseph Parish.  Hunte's Gardens is a private residence but the owner has opened the grounds to the public to view his creation.  Mr. Hunte is a horticulturalist who has created a beautiful garden escape in a part of the Barbados forest.  Parts of his house, converted from an old stone stable, are also open to walk around, and everything was delightful. 

Here are some pictures of us walking around the paths, and a few where we stopped to have a quick picnic lunch.  Conor is studying plants in science, so he had fun taking pictures of different types of leaves for a report he is working on.  

 You can't quite get the scope of the gardens from these pictures, but behind us is a huge "sink-hole type gully" which was basically a Bajan forest which Mr. Hunte has tamed and cultivated in many beautiful ways.  There is definitely a vertical aspect to the experience as well, with small garden nooks on every level.  There are many little tables and chairs and recliners set up throughout the garden with either a fabulous view, or set back from the rest offering a little privacy.  Small paths (I don't know how many times I heard "it's a dead end again!") lead to fountains and waterfalls.  We had a nice time, and will definitely go back again

 One of the many places we stopped to enjoy the view.

 Our picnic lunch spot.