St Vincent and the Grenadines is small nation in the Caribbean archipelago made up of thirty two islands and keys. From the main land St Vincent in the north to Petit St Vincent in the south, bordered with the Atlantic Oceans on one side and the Caribbean see on the other, you have a blend of black sand beaches along with white sand, turquoise waters with tropical reefs stretching miles with millions of marine life teeming in the midst just to be relished in all it's elegance. 

A photo of a section Kingstown St Vincent with the Island of Bequia in view,

About and around the main island there are countless sites to visit and bask in the ambiance of unbridled nature in all it's lust  and splendour. From black to white sand beaches, water falls, nature trails, salt-ponds,

hike up to the volcano, The Botanical gardens, Fort Charlotte, and the list goes on where you would have enough time if you were just to visit for a week or two, but that would be a recommended start.

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

Photos of the Botanical Garden famous for being the destination of Captain William Bligh's second visit to the Caribbean in 1798 (his first ended in the infamous mutiny on the bounty) when he introduced Breadfruit to the island. A descendant of one of his origina breadfruit trees thrives in the garden til today. Occupying 20 acres, the Gardens was created in 1765 by General Robert Melvile, governor of the British Caribbean islands. He used it as a plant breeding center. He grew plants which were used for medical purposes for the military and to improve the life and economy of the colon.Three acres were set aside for the establishment of a Government house. Today it is used as the official residence of the Governor General. He is the head of State, Queen Elizabeth_II  representative.The Botanical Gardens is the oldest of it's kind in the Western Hemisphere. "Two thousand and thirteen (2013) marked the 248th anniversary of its existence.

Captain William Bligh

An early morning jog through the garden always gets the blood circulating right. The morning mist, mixed with singing of the birds soothes the mind; preparing the body for the day ahead.

The Hibiscus flower in bloom.

There are about fifty (50) different Species of Hibiscus flowers in the Botanical Garden, it is the largest variety you can find in the entire country and possible the Caribbean on a whole. 

      






 THE NUTMEG TREE

The nutmeg tree is important for two spices derived from the fruit: nutmeg and mace

The Botanic Gardens has been  home for thousands of plant species over two centuries.

The Cashew Fruit

On the bottom of the Cashew fruit is the seed that is harvested as the Cashew nut.

St Vincent National Bird, The Amazona Guildingii

The St. Vincent Parrot (the Amazona Guildingi) is kept the Botanical Garden. It is the only type of parrot on the island. It is a large, beautiful coloured bird about 16 – 18 inches in length. The head is white, yellow and violet. The neck is mostly green, its the body plumage is predominantly gold and brown washed with green. The wings are variegated and the tail green and violet blue, broadly tipped with yellow.  

WRITERS NOTE

I decided to start with the exposure of the Botanical Gardens but I would be adding more pictures of different sites as I visit them and immerse myself in the beauty of our Country. I would be visiting other beautiful sceneries and uploading the photos. It is said "A picture is worth a thousand words." Words cannot explain the beauty of my country!