Pueblo Escondido

Gardens are classified according to their special
characteristics or utility. At Botanical gardens, for
example, the scientific study of plants - ie botany - is
the key activity.

A Wildlife Observation Garden is one designed for
the observation of wildlife living freely in their natural
habitat. This is in contrast to a traditional zoo where
animals are kept in cages.

Wild animals prey on the crops and livestock and
therefore can be a serious hindrance to small farmers
 in  Belize, and many farmers hunt or trap predator
animals that threaten their livelihoods.

At Pueblo Escondido we take a different approach.  
We have developed the concept of an "observation
garden" by seeing predation as an opportunity.  We
plant crops knowing that the birds and animals will
come to share in the harvest.   We welcome them.
And invite our visitors to come and see them.

The Observation Garden is our way of bringing birds
and animals as close as they will freely come. And
because we do not hunt or otherwise frighten the
animals, they stay around.  This approach to
development makes Pueblo Escondido uniquely
special for our visitors.

Bleeding Heart

Crotons

Close to the mainhouse, we have planted shrubs and
ornamentals which add color and attract, insects, birds
and butterflies. Several varieties of bleeding hearts,
crotons, roses, lantanas (a favourite of the butterflies)
keep the critters close.

Butterfly

Click on
thumbnails to
see larger views
of pictures.

Butterfly

The Craboo is a wild fruit very popular in Belize.  To
the left of the Craboo tree in the picture at left is a tall
Zericote, valued for its wood which is used extensively
by sculptors.  It also produces a tasty fruit.  At far left,
a section of the poultry house is visible. At right a pair
of geese.

Craboo Tree

Butterfly on
the Lantana

The panoramic view of the frontyard at left has the
forest in the distance and the ducks on the move from
one pond to another.

Frontyard
ducks

The main house is almost hidden in the shade of a fiery
bouganvillea arbor. To the left, the burst of colour is a
croton. In the foreground, a wild fern has taken root on
a piece of driftwood.

Main House in
the shade of the
Bouganvillea

Find Yourself at Pueblo Escondido

Updated September 12, 2004

Copyright Pueblo Escondido. All rights reserved.