CARREG DHU (pronounced locally as Crake Dew) is a community garden situated near Longstone Terrace in the centre of St. Mary’s. The one and a half acre subtropical garden derives its name from its former use as a ram-pit quarry - and in translation means Black Rocks although the remaining strata surrounding the garden seems to be a sandy/clay derivitive.

The garden is sheltered from cold Easterly winds, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and to appreciate the wide variety of sub-tropical plants, shrubs and trees which have been donated and lovingly nurtured by volunteers since the garden was first started by Richard and June Lethbridge in 1986.

Protected by a row of eucalyptus trees and large specimen palms and set amongst lawned areas, the garden contains a diverse collection of plants many of which would fail to survive on mainland Britain.

Whatever time of year you may choose to visit, the garden always has something colourful to offer with seasonal displays of proteas, erica, amaryllis, agapanthus, euryops, pelargonium, watsonia, lampranthus and arctotis from South Africa … eucalyptus, coprosma, clianthus, callistemon, cordyline, astelia, leucadendron, phormium, tree fern, metrocideros and sophora fom New Zealand … echium, aeonium, geranium, lavender and agave from the Canary Islands and Madeira just a small selection of plants to behold.

The garden has a wonderful display of large camellia bushes in early Spring whilst argyranthemum, cistus, fuchsia, pelargoinium, osteospermum, gazania, lampranthus and agapanthus provide a profusion of colour in the Summer months.

Several parts of the garden are set aside with seating and a small patio area surrounded by a collection of geraniums planted in terracotta pots, provides a pleasant place to enjoy your own packed lunch … much to the delight of the many resident birds !

Entrance is free. However the garden is always in need of voluntary help. Contributions to the upkeep and future development of the garden are welcome and can be made at an annual table-top sale held on the Strand, St. Mary’s on the 28 May 2007. Alternatively, donations can be made directly to: The Carreg Dhu Garden Account, Barclays Bank, St. Mary’s, I.o.S.
Willing gardeners, both resident and visitors are always welcome and hand tools are generally available in the garden area. Please contact June Lethbridge (Tel. 01720 422404) with any queries.

A garden for everyone to enjoy, Carreg Dhu is well worth a visit at any time of the year.

How to get there
From Hugh Town (approx. 1 mile) - Walk up the Strand, taking Telegraph Rd., past Sandy Banks Farm. Keep straight on, past the road leading to Parting Carn, until you reach a sharp bend known as New Seat Corner. The track straight ahead leads to Longstone Terrace. Carreg Dhu garden is halfway up on the right.

From Old Town (approx. half a mile) - Take Old Town Lane, towards Parting Carn, walk past the lane leading to the Airport. At the next junction look straight ahead for a track leading into the pines. This leads directly into Carreg Dhu garden.

Photos of Carreg Dhu Garden