Roseau, Dominica: Botanical Gardens

These Botanical Gardens used to be famous throughout the Caribbean for its beauty. Then a hurricane came along in 1979 - these things happen in this part of the world - and the place was more or less destroyed. There's been a slow rebuilding effort going on, and we can report as of 2024 that it's still a good place for a stop when touring the island. 

This facility opened under British rule around 1890, and within a few decades it became known throughout the region. One impressive part is that flat space is at a premium on Dominica, so to have so much space (relatively speaking) dedicated to gardens was nice. 

Some scientific works takes place here, and you can also see some native parrots. The Gardens mark the start of Jack's Walk, a 15-minute climb to a site overlooking the city. My guess is that going downhill might be more popular with some of the tourists.