Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

If you love nature, wildlife, or just a bunch of flowers this should be on your bucket list. Queen Elizabeth II opened Grand Cayman's only Botanic Park in 1994. In 1994, only the Woodland Trail was complete, where is a trail that is 4/5 of a mile long. The trail was mapped out so you would get the opportunity to see the unusual and significant habitats. This park is estimated to contain more than 50% of the native flora of the Cayman Islands. The park is open from 9am to 5:30pm everyday and the last admission is at 4:30. It cost $10 US dollars to get in.

There are different parts/sections of the Park. For instance, there is a Floral Color Garden that is to create an informal garden which can alternate between floral designs. It is also laid out by colors. This Botanic Park is also the home to 10 of the 26 orchid species recorded from the Cayman Islands and you will not find 3 of them anywhere but at the Cayman Islands. One of the unique three, is the Cayman's National Flower, the Wild Banana Orchid. I thought this was so interesting because orchids are my favorite flowers and they are so rare in the US! I wish I could grow these everywhere around my house! I guess I need to buy a house in Grand Cayman. :)

Every year, the Botanic Park has annual shows for guests. The Annual Orchid Show is an exhibition of locally grown orchids and it promotes the conservation of the native orchids. You can learn the techniques of growing orchids. Plus, the money goes to a good cause. The proceeds from the Show will go toward the establishment of an orchid garden in the Park. Visit the website here for more information.

(Wild Banana Orchid)