Published On:Monday, March 08, 2010

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

UNLESS one explores every backyard, every swamp, every forested land and every plant habitat its impossible to see the myriad of fruit trees present in the rich Bahamian soil.

Interestingly enough, if one did explore the country's many islands they would find plants and fruit trees that they have probably never seen or heard of similar to the ones discussed in Tribune columnist, Jack Hardy's new book "Fruits of the Bahamas."

The book which was recently released by Gardener Jack holds a wealth of information about the most popular and rare fruit trees in the Bahamas.

This is the perfect book for persons interested in growing fruit trees. And whether you wish to purchase fruit trees from local plant nurseries or grow fruit from seeds, this book is the perfect guide.

"There are some people who go into the plant nurseries to purchase plants for their gardens. And they might pick up a plant that they don't really know that much about. The name tag might be on the plant but they don't have one clue of how to grow the plant. This is where my book comes in providing helpful information about the plant," Gardener Jack told Tribune Health.

He said that it is important to research the type of fruit tree one is interested in growing in their yards since fruit trees have diverse "growing cultures".

"There are some plants that may thrive best in swampy areas and others that thrive best in other conditions," he said.

In "Fruits of the Bahamas" readers are exposed to a diversity of fruit trees, their physical characteristics and suggestions for growing. One example is the loquat, which originated in China and is not well known.

"There are hundreds of varieties of loquat and they vary widely, so it is wise to buy a recognised variety in order to get a good size and good taste," he explains in his book.

"The fruit is usually ovoid, contains 3-5 seeds, and can be white, yellow, or orange and a good tree produces one of the tastiest treats of the tropics. Unfortunately, fruits are often more acid than sweet, and the bearing season, in late spring is short. The fruits are also subject to attack from several insects, notably the Caribbean fruit fly," the book stated.

Other than the loquat fruit tree, there are other trees the book mentioned that might just raise a brow.

Gardener Jack said the reason why these particular fruit trees may be unfamiliar to some is because they are not in abundance when compared to fruit trees like jujube, tamarind mango, or guinep.

"During the years of the post wars some of the fruit trees were brought to the Bahamas by foreigners. For instance the star fruit is not in abundance and was brought here by foreigners as well," he explained.

In the near future Gardener Jack intends to release a new book entitled "A Year With Gardener Jack.".

"Everything that I have ever talk about concerning gardening and vegetables will be included in this book," he said.

Jack Hardy is a retired teacher and has been gardening since 1968. Everything he has ever learnt about gardening is by experience and collecting information from other experts and different books.

"Fruits of the Bahamas" is available at the Fox Hill Plant Nursery. It is also available in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.