Beautiful Vanilla Garden Growing at Belmont Estate

Vanilla orchids are beautiful, though growing them commercially is rare on the island of Grenada. These vines are a bit unhappy because of the dry season, but they are still blooming and producing pods. These vanilla plants are used to grow vanilla at Belmonst Estate for the many delicious foods they prepare. Note how the vanilla is being supported on Gliricidia sepium trees, known on Grenada as "Gloria Cedar." The tops of the trees are cut as needed to provide sunlight, as the trunks support the growing vanilla vines. A little ways from this vanilla garden is the Belmont Estate chocolate factory. What a beautiful combination - chocolate and vanilla.