Woodland House, Woodland, St George, is the home of Mr and Mrs Damien McKinney.
This 18th century plantation house previously owned by the Simpson family has been beautifully restored and renovated by present owners Damien and Krissi McKinney.
Words cannot begin to describe the spacious and exquisitely laid out garden. Janine Weetch, the landscaper, has done a wonderful job in creating several gardens within the vast grounds, each with its own design and character.
To the east of the house is a large, picture-perfect lawn with herbaceous borders made of various flowering shrubs, palms and ornamental foliage. This lawn leads to the vivid blue swimming pool with pots of bougainvillea in bloom and trails of gloriosa superba spilling over lamp posts and fences surrounding the pool deck.
The expertly restored old mill houses a small fountain from which water tumbles into the pool, encouraging one to pause and appreciate all that nature has to offer. A climb up the spiral stairs inside the mill to the top to marvel at the 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside is not to be missed.
To the north of the house is a charming French walled garden with a typical drinking fountain as well as a traditional Barbadian dripstone water purifier prevalent in plantation gardens of yesteryear.
Hanging from the ficus trees in this garden is a stunning John Burgess copper chandelier. From this area one can overlook the enclosed fruit and vegetable garden to the west.
This lovely old house faces south and there Janine is creating yet another interesting garden with clusters of miniature anthuriums, purple and white cuphea, star jasmine and yet another chandelier hanging from the ficus trees.
Beyond the old mill there is work in progress on terracing leading down into the gully where one can see that various ornamental grasses, shrubs and trees are already established.
The Barbados Horticultural Society is deeply grateful to Mr and Mrs McKinney for allowing us the privilege of sharing their garden.
Directions to Woodland
From the Norman Niles Roundabout on the ABC Highway follow the BHS yellow signs along Highway 4, pass the junction with Salters, pass the old Bulkeley Sugar Factory, pass the junction with Turnpike (look for the signs).
Go past Mount Plantation and Drax Hall following our yellow signs to Woodland which will be on the right. Our new Open Garden signs are vivid yellow and will be evident along the route.
