Castleton, St Mary Parish, Jamaica — Caribbean Region of the Americas (Greater Antilles of the West Indies)
Welcome to Castleton Botanic Gardens
Welcome to Castleton Botanic Gardens
Castleton Botanical Garden is one of the oldest public gardens in the western hemisphere. 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, replacing the garden at Bath, St. Thomas which 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 road and features some of the most exotic and often indigenous ferns and majestic palms on the island. At present there are many 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 lovely Wag Water River.
A project of the St. Mary Parish Council, Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and the Jamaica National Heritage Trust
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 18° 10.325′ N, 76° 49.43′ W. Marker is in Castleton, St Mary Parish. It is on Route A3, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is one of the Greater Antilles on the Caribbean Sea, in in the Atlantic Ocean, in North America, in the Western Hemisphere, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a Spanish colony and specifically also a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 18 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Castleton Botanical Gardens (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Castleton Botanical Gardens (a few steps from this marker); Castleton Botanical Formal Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Castleton Botanical Gardens Story (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the Palmetum (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to the Wag Water River Walk (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Grand Barbecue at Cold Spring Estate (approx. 16.6 kilometers away in St Andrew Parish); Bob Marley (approx. 17.6 kilometers away in St Andrew Parish). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Castleton.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 23, 2022
2. Another nearby Welcome to Castleton Botanic Gardens Informational Sign
Welcome to Castleton Botanical Garden
Located 20 km north of Kingston in the parish of St. Mary on 10 hectares of land through which the Wag Water River flows. Castleton Gardens are an important part of our natural heritage, which provides space for recreation, research and education. The gardens are divided by the Junction Main Road. It contains over 250 major plant species and is a haven for exotic birds. Enjoy your visit - join us in preserving Jamaica's biodiversity.
Located 20 km north of Kingston in the parish of St. Mary on 10 hectares of land through which the Wag Water River flows. Castleton Gardens are an important part of our natural heritage, which provides space for recreation, research and education. The gardens are divided by the Junction Main Road. It contains over 250 major plant species and is a haven for exotic birds. Enjoy your visit - join us in preserving Jamaica's biodiversity.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2022, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 414 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 26, 2022, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.

