
I’ve been to other islands and archipelagos around the world, but Bermuda stands out. The way it’s so close to the east coast of the US yet feels like it’s on the other side of the world is one. The architecture being influenced by Britain and Europe makes things feel familiar while the way Bermudian use local resources make everything seem unusual. Many of the plants grow throughout the US yet they are mixed with endemic species that only grow in Bermuda.
For me, the way the water invades everything makes it special. There’s never a point that you are not reminded that Bermuda is surrounded by ocean. The color of the water is amazing, but you can find the same color of seas in Punta Cana or Jamaica, but those places don’t have the near shore outcroppings of coral reef like Bermuda. I spent a day snorkeling off Elbow Beach and was amazed at how much marine life was less than a 100 yards from the sandy beach and tourists.
Nature is a mix of native and introduced flowers. Around every corner are flowers in bloom. Colorful hibiscus flowers are a favorite. Many, if not all of them, aren’t native to Bermuda. Hibiscus is a strong group of flowers. The rose mallow is a flower I use in yards and rain gardens all the time in New Jersey, and can survive the harsh winters. But in Bermuda with its mild summers (highs in the 80s) and winters (lows in the 60s) provide a landscape for a wide variety of hibiscus.