At a tree planting ceremony held outside the new building facility at The Pines Retirement Home off Smith Road, George Town, on Wednesday (18), members of the Garden Club of Grand Cayman were on hand with representatives from The Pines and media to view an historic event.

The Garden Club undertook the ambitious job of not only designing the landscaping with plans but providing the plants and planting them. Robert Bennett, President of the Club, did the planting and gave a speech and excellent advice on how to plant the tree in question – a Breadfruit.

He said this day was a long time coming because of construction delays that meant they had not been allowed on the site.

“Landscapers appreciate being the last people on site,” he quipped.

Myrtle and Oswald Thomas who used to have one of the first nurseries on Grand Cayman way back in the 1970’s donated the Breadfruit tree. The one I remember they owned was called Greenacres. I expect many of you remember it.

Other trees to be planted included Silver Thatch and Ironwood that are endemic native trees and some “old-time” plants including a Naseberry (or Neesberry).

Whilst there, I was introduced to a paved and fenced secluded area with the sign “Outdoors with Miss Olive.” This was in honour of the almost legendary and much loved lady who, over many years, donated so much time and talent to The Pines and the NCVO and still does.