
If one decides to use the phrase " beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder" here, then there is a flaw
somewhere because the Botanical Gardens is beautiful from all angles. It was established by Governor
William Branford Griffith together with Dr. John Farrel Eastmon, a sierra leone medical doctor. The
garden, before it became home to the rarest plant species and animals, served significant roles such as
cocoa production in south Ghana among other things. Below are notable things that make the place an
ideal place to visit.
Pergola / Lovers Lane
A walk to this place is covered by beautiful flowers that heighten the senses much to nature's delight. As
its name says, it is a haven for lovers. It serves as an ideal place to take someone you are crushing or
already in love with to experience this refreshing feeling altogether.
The Strangling Ficus
Right in the heart of the garden is the strangling ficus. Interesting name right? The name of the tree is
birth from its pattern of growth upon trees that serve as hosts. These plants grow deeply rooted in the
ground and take over the tree that adopts them leaving them completely hollow from the inside with
only the outside to show it is a tree after termites have had their pound of flesh. Intrigued? Visit the
garden to know more this coming holidays.
VVIP Garden
The name alone tells that people of high repute frequented the place. Evidence is the Queen Elizabeth ll
and Prince Charles of England in 1924 and 1977 respectively. They planted plants there which have
today sprouted in trees with other dignitaries in tow. The place not only tells of this activity but also
allows one to feel these people are just like us even with the vast status quo. Make it a point to have the
experience at least once in a while.
The old helicopter
When on tour here, upon reaching this place, the guide in charge will tell you of the history of the old
helicopter being that, once upon a time, Ghana took part in peacekeeping in Congo in 1960 and the
aircraft is one of the seven ex-US Army that Ghana was given. Educating is not it, come with the family
especially kids to take great images and learn as well about this history.
Different tropical plants
If you are a lover of plants or looking to be educated in this direction, then the Aburi Gardens, precisely
the tropical plant’s hub is a must to do for you. This place is blessed with interesting plants like Brownea
grandiceps and Cedrela spp among others. If your curious mind has been set off, then do justice by
passing by the place to know about these plants, where they came from, and their interesting Latin
names as well.
The Botanical Garden, apart from the above-mentioned, takes pride in the colonial buildings, the
sleeping palm, the carving tree, and the silk cotton tree among others which makes a trip here fun,
educative, and a lifetime experience as well and so do pass by the place sometimes with this guide in
mind to make your navigation there easy.