The Garden of the Sleeping Giant has closed indefinitely.

Garden manager, Mukesh Kumar, said the directors had finally made up their minds to suspend operations.

The garden closed last week, until further notice.

Mr Kumar said when COVID-19 hit Fiji they were happy to still have all their 15 employees all on normal rates, with no reduction of hours or rates.

He said the directors decided to put projects they had on hold to afford their employees.

Unfortunately, business was very slow, prompting the decision to close indefinitely.

The Gardens

The landscaped gardens display some of Fiji’s native plants, while housing an impressive collection of orchids, some native.

A jungle walk takes visitors past a large lily pond, and through native forest.

Located about half an hour from Nadi Town, The Garden of Sleeping Giant is a orchid range which dates back to 1977.

Its original owner was the late Raymond Burr, star of silver screen Perry Mason, and American television crime drama series Ironside.

Background

Originally designed to house Mr Burr’s private collection of tropical orchids, the gardens have evolved into a popular attraction.

Mr Burr loved orchids just as much as he loved Fiji.

The gardens showcase more than 2000 types of orchids, over 50 acres.

An entry fee of $18 was levied on guests who could wander through the lush and fertile plantation.

The Garden of the Sleeping Giant has been said to be unsurpassed by most, housing one of the world’s largest orchid collections plus a cultivated greenery and enchanting lily ponds.

Feedback: susana.tuilau@fijisun.com.fj