The New Dedication of Royal Palm Drive!
On March 10, 2022 SGVBG and Doug and Rita Mockett dedicated Royal Palm Drive in memory of Al and Chrissy Mockett. Al and Chrissy Mockett were among the original group of volunteers who transformed an overgrown plantation property into the incredible Botanical Garden that we enjoy today. Their son, Doug Mockett has always held a special place in his heart for SGVBG.
“My experience on St. Croix started in 1970. My parents bought a home in 1969 on the east end of the island. My father was big into gardening. He always had beautiful gardens at home, and then he volunteered here at the Botanical Garden. Then he brought me here, and I was always so impressed with what a beautiful spot SGVBG is. How stunningly gorgeous it is. A secret hidden gem on St. Croix. My father volunteered at SGVBG for about 15 years before he passed away in the mid-1990’s. I’ve been coming back ever since. Years ago, we dedicated a little marker for him, my mother, and my wife at the guard shack at the garden entrance. Then I thought we ought to do something nicer. The botanical garden has graciously agreed to rename Royal Palm Drive in memory of Al and Chrissy Mockett. I cast a bronze 18”x24” plaque, had it mounted to a slab of mahogany and installed it at the entrance of Royal Palm Drive. It’s just a nice way to memorialize my parents and keep their spirit alive, and pay tribute to all of the years my father spent volunteering here. My parents loved the garden and loved their entire experience here.”
The next time you visit SGVBG, be sure to stop on Royal Palm Drive and look at this beautiful memorial!
If you are interested in adopting a spot in the garden, or dedicating part of the garden to someone special in your life, please contact Becca Mendelson Hughson at infoatthegarden@gmail.com.
