A Blooming Good Time

There is an annual event that shouldn't be missed in Barbados...especially if you are a plant enthusiast like my mom. Its the Barbados Horticultural Society's Flower Festival (BHS). Honestly, my eyes couldn't stop roaming over the talented displays of flower arrangements, bonsais and blooms!

The festival was held over two days from January 24th- 25th. Every plant imaginable was on display with a distinctive Caribbean feel. I genuinely lost my mom to the flowers and plants! There were so many stalls! From plants to art, clothing and food- it really was packed with vendors.

Every. Stall. we visited🫠😂. It took us around 1 hour to visit all of the vendors. Those selling plants were so knowledgeable, that my mom was able to get all of her questions answered. For example, did you know that there is a plant know as the Devil's Backbone due to its shape? Ironically it can't handle extremely hot temperatures, so it must be placed away from direct sunlight. Shoutout to Sandra for sharing that piece of information. I also learnt that I was severely over watering my mom's orchid. A fact I picked up from a gentleman who was giving an impromptu talk to around 7 people at his stall of beautiful orchids.

Devil's Backbone

This festival had more than just plants. We also got to speak with artists showcasing their art and talents. Unique works in metal, wood and paint where dispersed throughout the field of plant stalls. The event truly was a great blend of nature and art combined, able to transform the grounds of Balls Plantation, home of the BHS, into a visually pleasing experience.

So what was the most exciting part of the festival? The flower arrangements! The festival highlight is their annual flower show. Flower specialists, both expert florist and amateur, compete with their displays and floral designs. The competition showcase can be described in two words- absolutely amazing!

Each display was filled with vibrance and talent. They featured interesting shapes, vibrant use of color palettes, beautiful flowers and demonstrated creativity in presenting their themed category. My favorite category was Memories. In particular, a piece using traditionally Barbadian items such as a Monkey jar within the arrangement to present a memory of Barbados that many locals could resonate with. The bonsai trees were also spectacular! Miniature Sea Grape, Bougainvillea and Bajan Cherry trees were the highlight for both my mom and I. It baffles my mind how someone could cultivate a tree so tiny.

Bougainvillea Bonsai

My favorite arrangement in the Memories Category. Arrangement by Erica Grainger.

Overall this festival was a great way to end the first month of the year. Surrounded by beauty and excellence. The Barbados Horticultural Society and its members, seriously reinforced why they win awards at the Chelsea Flower Show. Did you know that through the BHS, Barbados has been participating in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in England for 38 years? Recognized as one of the best country representations at the show, they have always medaled in every category they entered. In fact they have won Gold over 24 times! This year the Chelsea flower show is from May 19- 23, I have no doubt that in May they will win gold again!

Remember to add the BHS flower festival to your January calendar for next year...its a great day out for family and friends! See you on tour or in our next blog post💕

Peace & Love

KleKle