A special feature about horticulture this week is Delonix Garden Centre, a plant nursery on the main road, just at the end of Lower South Hill, whose owner is Mr Everette Clarke, a well-known horticulturist and landscaper in Anguilla.
Delonix is one of the names for the flamboyant or Poinciana tree whose colourful flowers in the summer months present a really beautiful scene across the island. To a large extent, that beauty is replicated at the appropriately-named Delonix Garden Centre where there are clusters of eye-catching and attractive ornamental and floral plants, as well as an abundance of stately and early-bearing coconut trees at a young but vigorous growing stage.
Mr Clarke was not always a horticulturist. “I studied electrical installation at the Technical College in St Kitts during the 1970s,” he told The Anguillian. “I then moved to St Croix where I worked as an electrician at Hess Oil. I later returned to Nevis following which I came to Anguilla and worked in the construction field for five years or so. Finally, I went into landscaping, did several courses abroad and worked at Cap Juluca as Landscape Manager for some years. When I resigned I went to work at CuisinArt which is now CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa. I have been there for the past fourteen years.” Mr Clarke is pleased with himself for going into landscaping and, as Landscape Manager at CuisinArt, he is proud of the very beautiful grounds there.
He was asked about Delonix Garden Centre which he recently established. “I am trying to grow plants that are indigenous to the island including those for interior decoration,” he said. “My goal is to grow as much indigenous plants as possible so that I can be a supplier to the people of the island. I just thought I could make a great contribution to Anguilla in this respect.
“What also inspired me is that I was able to acquire two acres of land in the Brimigen area, and I want to develop it into a botanical garden where I can grow plants of different species and so forth. It means that visitors and residents alike would be able to see plants in their natural environment. I am also thinking of having animals and birds such flamingos, parrots as well.”
When Clarke referred to animals, he really meant reptiles such as snakes, crocodiles and alligators seen abroad in captivity and kept in well-protected and secure show places. Aware of concerns this venture would likely cause, he said: “If I am allowed to do so, I would try to secure them as much as possible so that they would not be able to escape.” Of course this is a matter to consider down the road and one for much careful thought and approval.
Right now, Clarke’s concentration is on the plant life at Delonix Garden Centre to where he quickly returned his attention. “Some of the coconut trees I am growing are called Naypans,” he explained. “The reason I am growing them, more than the Malaysian Dwarf, is because the Naypans are very resistant to leaf yellowing and spider mites – when compared with the Naypans and the regular Jamaica Tall.
“The other plants I am growing are a lot of oleanders, gardenias and hibiscus. I also have sugar apple and sour-sop, as well as meringue plants which folks normally use for tea to protect against certain diseases. I grow all the plants from cuttings and seeds. All of the plants are in very high demand, and as you may notice,…I am growing plants that people mostly look for.”
Asked about prices, Mr Clarke replied: “The plants are very cost-effective. The coconut trees right now in 7-gallon pots are being sold for US$20. Those in 15-gallon pots are for US$30 which is very competitive, and if people buy a lot I might reduce the prices.”
He also has his mind on other matters. “I am hoping to go into some fertilisers and other chemicals such as pesticides and spermicides, and so forth, in which I also have a broad knowledge,” he disclosed. “I am also thinking about irrigation equipment, and other supplies, to complement the work and offerings of Delonix Garden Centre.’’
Clarke is both a very knowledgeable horticulturist and landscaper. He creates his own soil to ensure that his plants strive well – something he also takes pride in doing and likes to talk about. Delonix Garden Centre is certainly a must for all to see.
