Ghana's National Arboretum

Our trip to Aburi took us to Ghana's National Arboretum. These gardens were created by the British in 1890. The villages in the tops of the hills above Accra are much cooler. The area was a retreat for the British government officials who wanted to get relief from hot coastal areas. The entrance to the gardens is lined with palm trees that are over 100 years old. There are 7 gardens. Some I remember are the presidential garden where visiting presidents and rulers plant a tree; the children's garden, where children gather for games; the spice garden where cinnamon trees, nutmeg trees, lavendar trees, an allspice tree, and others I can't remember. These were grand gardens in the early 1900's. The Ghanaians are doing the best they can to keep the beauty of the gardens, but their budget is limited.

The gardens are a peaceful place, and a retreat from close quarters of life the Ghanaians experience in everyday life. Ghanaians make do with what they have. While we were getting out of our van this one pulled up and out piled 36 children and 6 adults: 42 people in all! They were sitting 3 deep.


These tall trees grace the countryside in Ghana. They are my favorite trees because they grow so straight - right up to the heavens.

Though the gardens seemed to be a a natural state rather than a manicured one, it was still beautiful and we enjoyed being outdoors in a rather organized garden. We even brought a picnic lunch.


The Cocoa Tree - The fruit on this tree makes your chocolate. Cocoa is one of Ghana's top two exports.

And even great creatures were in the park. This is a millipead. I've read about them and seen pictures in books. But here before my feet was the real thing! Can you see all their millions of feet?!