Positively Blooming!

Many who pass through Ken Healthcare’s gates will attest to the fact that the house sits within beautifully picturesque grounds.  And in deep summer, there’s no better time to stop and ’smell the [KHC] roses’.

One of the things that KHC founder, Lyn Kennedy-McKenzie finds particularly rewarding is her role as ‘head gardener’.  She says:

“I’ve always  seen beauty in flowers and natural fauna and to a certain extent I wanted to bring with me a little of my English country garden to this place, which I have done. ”

Kennedy-McKenzie points out that most of the landscaping and planting of the majestic fruit trees from saplings was done by Robert Kennedy Snr, her father.  He built the White House and resides there with wife his wife of 60+ years, Mary.

“ The cooler Manchester climate combined with flowers, shrubs and trees that are native to the Caribbean means that our gardens are a riot of colour and texture – nearly all year round.  The planting has been fun but hard work.  More importantly, some of our more able residents can get involved with their own planting which is tremendously therapeutic for them.  They simply love to plant, to water and then take in the views.”

The gardens have entertained many from the community for various events including the annual Ken Health Care Mother’s Day Breakfast.  Anthums mingle with walled roses and woodland flowers.  The majestic ackee tree sits among cacti, ground ivy and bright honeysuckle.

Kennedy-McKenzie says: “Our gardener, George trims, cultivates and breathes life into the grounds.  And every time I look out of my office window, I think how blessed I am to be able to appreciate this view.”

So, do pop by to admire and ’smell the roses’!