A Grand Welcome: Vanilla Paradise Nevis’ Vanilla Orchid Carving
Step through the gates of Vanilla Paradise Nevis, and you’ll encounter a breathtaking surprise – a large vanilla flower carving that seems to defy both nature! What is the story behind it?
The green and yellow wooden gate swings open and there stands Gina Empson, Vanilla Paradise Nevis’ Founder, waiting to greet you and show you the way into her domain. As you step through, dappled sunlight filtering through the lush canopy momentarily blinds you. But then, you catch sight of something quite out of the ordinary!
Wood and Wonder
There, standing sentinel at the entrance, is a wonderful sight: two large flowers, carved from mahogany, stretch their impossibly large petals towards the sky. As you approach, you suddenly realise that they can only be vanilla orchids!
It’s quite a sight, but it is not a fantastical prop from a faraway land. This masterpiece is the work of Isiah Parry, a local woodworker whose talent working with wood is well-known on the island. He's the same craftsman who built the wooden posts that support our flourishing vanilla vines, each one sustainably harvested from the forest around Nevis Peak.
Isiah stands proudly by his vanilla carving
A Legacy Carved in Wood
We knew Isiah's is skilled woodworker, so we entrusted him with a unique challenge: to capture the essence of our farm in a single, large carving. And here it stands, competing for attention with the vibrant vanilla mural painted by Vaughan Anslyn on the rock beside it. A family of iron Totem Poles, crafted by local metalworkers, completes the artistic welcome, each piece a celebration of Nevis's local artists. We have written about these pieces in earlier articles.
The large orchid carving holds a special magic for those who visit outside the vanilla flowering season, which runs from January to May. During these quieter months, when the vines are resting and gathering their strength for the flowering season, Isiah's creation serves as a promise. It has also become a popular selfie-station!
A medical student working at Alexandra hospital visited the farm!
More Than a Welcome: A Symbol of Passion
But this isn't just a beautiful welcome sign. Carved from local, sustainable materials, the orchid carving is the very soul of Vanilla Paradise Nevis etched in wood. It's a tribute to the fertile Nevis soil, the people who nurture the land, and the precious vanilla beans we cultivate with care. We will always support this island's rich heritage and artistic spirit.
Together, these artworks enrich the experience for everyone who visits Vanilla Paradise Nevis. If you a planning a visit to Vanilla Paradise Nevis, pause by the orchid. You will be inspired by its grandeur, and perhaps capture a memory against its wooden petals.
