Galveston - Flowers, Plant and Trees

Variegated Oleander

Orchid Tree

All around Galveston Island colorful plants and trees can be spotted everywhere. Being a sub-tropical climate, they bloom profusely. Many plants did not survive hurricanes, however, and during the 1900 disaster, the surge of salt water killed many plants and trees, especially the oleanders. Fearing another catastrophe, the islanders raised the height of the island from sea level to up to 17 feet in some areas, causing a slope to drain any sea surges toward the harbor during storms. The seawall was also constructed. This wreaked havoc on the plant life as sand and dirt was dredged from the gulf and harbor to raise the height of the island adding more salt to the soil which took some time to dissipate.
In the Oleander Garden Park there are specimens of many varieties of Oleander that were originally brought to the island on sailing ships from Jamaica. There are now over 100 varieties on the island. (The Oleander Garden Park is behind Moody Mansion.

Star Jasmine

Salvia