Grenada wins Gold at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The Grenada exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show 2016 in London, named ‘Three Enchanting Islands — Pure Grenada’ has won Gold. The team was led by Grenadian-based designer Catherine John and brought Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique to life with a display of floral diversity.

“Our theme this year was inspired by the distinct floral character of the three islands, which although in close proximity of each other in the Southern Caribbean Sea, do not receive the same amount of rainfall. The vegetation and crops grown on Carriacou and Petite Martinique are markedly different from those that thrive in Grenada,” said Mrs John.

The greenery and spices were all grown in Grenada and arranged to Catherine’s design, ahead of Monday, 23 May, when the display enthralled Press Day visitors including Grenada’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Karl Hood and Dr Johnson Beharry VC – recipient of the highest military decoration for valour in the British and Commonwealth armed forces, who was born in Grenada.

“As small islands we are mindful of rising sea levels due to climate change, and our display features the coastline as a reminder of the balance of nature that we all depend upon,” added Mrs John.

The display won a gold medal, making this the 12th gold medal Grenada has received at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

“We’re delighted that the exhibit has been awarded Gold here in London. My personal inspiration this year comes from just wanting to differentiate and display the diversity of plant materials on our Sister Isles,” said Catherine after receiving the news.

“Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique are three distinctive islands that each boasts a remarkable natural landscape. The design team has captured the essence of all 3 islands to provide visitors to the world’s greatest flower show with an authentic taste of Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean,” said Ms. Sharon Bernstein, Grenada Tourism Authority Director of Sales for the UK & Ireland.

GTA