Garden of the Sleeping Giant features orchids along with native plants.
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is located in the foothills of the Nausori Highlands of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu. The mountain ridge near the garden resembles the face of a giant laying on his back or in the sleeping position, therefore the garden became known as “The Garden of the Sleeping Giant”.
Originally, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant was not a Fiji attraction but the private collection of tropical orchids at the home of Raymond Burr, star of Perry Mason and Ironside. Now, his orchid collection has grown to be one of the most popular Fiji attractions.
In addition to an amazing orchid display, the twenty hectare (almost 50 acres) garden specializes in Fiji’s native plants which can be spotted on the jungle walk that passes a large lily pond and through native forest.
Orchid Garden
The highlight of the garden is its display of over 2000 various kinds of orchids which is one of the largest collection of orchids in the world. The stunning orchid collection was started in 1977 by Raymond Burr and he expanded his collection by growing more than 1,000 new orchid hybrids. Tropical climates are perfect of orchids and the orchid garden has thrived in Fiji.
Tropical Flowers
The highlight of the garden is the Orchid Garden but they are not the only flowers that can be seen in the Garden of the Sleeping Giant. I like seeing local plants and wildlife when I travel so I find the native flowers more interesting because this may be the only place where I can see some of these plants.
Native Rainforest
I have been in several rainforest around the world and hiking in rainforests are always exciting to me. The plants and wildlife in rainforests are unique from most places that I travel. Taking the “jungle walk” was my favorite part of the Garden of the Sleeping Giant because it passes through a native Fijian rainforest. The trail was well maintained and it only minimally disturbed the rainforest.
Lily Pond
Part of the “jungle walk” passes through the lily pond. The lily pond is completely covered in lily pads and there were lots of native frogs enjoying sitting partially covered by water on the lily pads. I have seen many lily ponds but I always enjoy seeing beautiful water lily flowers growing completely immersed in water.
Native Wildlife
There is more than flowers to see in the gardens. The native plants are home to the native wildlife which can be seen if you pay attention. Some of the wildlife that I spotted were birds, butterflies, lizards and frogs.
Other Features
All public gardens that I have visited are designed with decorative features but the Garden of the Sleeping Giant had two of the most unique features that I have seen.
Along the trail through the rainforest there was a hammock tied between two trees. I am not sure if it was reserved for the sleeping giant or if it was intended for the visitors but I can say that it was much more comfortable than the benches that I normally see in other parks.
I always like to see places that aren’t afraid of incorporating a little humor into their displays. I have spent lots of time in parks, nature reserves and forests but this is the first time that I have ever seen an actual “tree hugger”.
The Dust on My Shoes
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is a beautiful garden and it is a peaceful place to visit. I enjoyed seeing the orchid garden and taking the jungle hike through native Fijian rainforest.
Orchids are very beautiful flowers that have unique shapes with an endless array of colors and patterns. I have seen a few wild orchids while hiking in tropical rainforest but most of the times that I have seen orchids have been in green houses. Fiji’s tropical weather allows orchids to thrive outdoors.
Being able to hike through a dense tropical rainforest is always a treat for me and it is an added bonus that there is an easy trail to follow. Tropical rainforest are hot and humid so it was a pleasant surprise that the garden provided a complimentary chilled fruit drink at the end of the “jungle walk”.
I have visited a lot of public gardens in my travels because I enjoy seeing local plants and because they are places that are peaceful. Try visiting a public garden if you start to get tired of crowded tourist sites.
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