Miriam Schmidt Botanical Garden

The Miriam Schmidt garden sits on the dry southeastern slope of Sint Eustatius below the Quill, laid out from the 1990s on old grazing ground and planted with native trees, a kitchen garden of the crops the island grew, a palm garden and a section of medicinal plants. Its position gives a long view over the sea toward St Kitts. Volunteers run and maintain it and the planting is still filling in.

The landscape

• The native trees - the island's own species replanted on old grazing ground.
• The kitchen garden - the crops historically grown on Statia.
• The medicinal section - plants used in the island's traditional practice.
• The sea view - the long outlook toward St Kitts from the slope.

When to go

December to April is the drier season and easiest for walking. The garden is at its greenest after the autumn rains. Midday is hot with limited shade.

Practical notes

The garden is young and much of the planting is still establishing. It is volunteer-run and opening depends on staffing. The track in is rough and shade is limited.

Nearby

The Quill is above, and Oranjestad is northwest.

Key facts