When we visit a beach destination, it’s tempting to stay put. But if we can tear ourselves away from the sand and the water, we almost always love what we find. That’s what happened when we visited the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens in Saint Lucia. Situated just a few miles from our resort, this oasis of colour and beauty seemed like a different world.
Diamond Falls is blessed with six acres of plantings, a stunning waterfall, and a series of mineral baths. Since much of Saint Lucia is rain forest, it wasn’t surprising that the flowers were so large and beautiful. The paths were lined with heliconia, bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers in every colour imaginable.
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| One of many heliconias at Diamond Falls |
In addition to flowers, the gardens were rife with trees, spices and vines.
Legend has it that Josephine Bonaparte visited the mineral baths here as a young girl growing up in the Caribbean. It’s impossible to know if that’s true, but given her well-known love for roses, it’s fitting that the estate has added these appealing gardens and opened them to the public.
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| Begonias at Diamond Falls |
Wow,such a beautiful spot, love the waterfall and flowers! I'm sure you're dreaming of sandy beaches and the tropics right now;-)
I am, Patty! Or at least an end to the snow!
Those colors are awesome! I can see why you would want to stay put there for sure!
Such gorgeous flowers and lovely photos too!
Oh it is a all so very pretty. Well worth leaving the beach for a day or so.
Oh, Beth – this is too beautiful, and it's too grey and cold outside my window right now. If only I could be Josephine, for a few moments, at least. 🙂
Dear Beth, Simply breathtaking.
Blessings, Catherine xo
The flowers are so gorgeous and summery!
We're in the middle of a snowfall warning and expecting another 10cm today so this is a very welcome post! 🙂
Fantastic! Makes me dream of a tropical getaway.
What a breathtaking place. Beautiful!
Such a blissfully wonderful place!! Those flowers are gorgeous…as are your photos! Have a great weekend, Beth!
all look beatiful, stunning pictures Beth!
What a beautiful waterfall!
Such refreshing beautiful photos 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Wow, gorgeous flowers, it's amazing! We still have snow and hardly any buds on trees.
Beautiful! I love the heliconias; they look like birds:)
i LOVE exotic flowers. heck, i love all flowers, but the exotic ones seem extra lovely. 🙂
Such a gorgeous locale…I wish I was there now…away from this cold and wind 😉
I love visiting botanical gardens and am always so jealous of the amazing things that wouldn't be able to grow in our climate at home. Love those beautiful flowers!
As much as I enjoy the sand and the water, you couldn't keep me away from the botanical gardens. Beautiful! That short of the falls is stunning.
I've been there…beautiful. Beautiful island altogether!
Beth – I just inserted myself into your photos. What a find! I would relive it over and over – especially in the winter. I love your adventurous spirit – lucky family to have you!
St. Lucia is on my list of places to go! You just reinforced my wish. I love the vegetation in those areas!