Barbados Culture: The Barbados Horticultural Society Open Gardens Programme

The Barbados Horticultural Society (BHS) is a very vibrant and professional group of women and men dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in plant cultivation and flower arrangement.

Every year they make a trek to the huge international Chelsea Flower Show in the UK and every year they come back with one or more medals, gold more often than not.

On the last Saturday and Sunday in January, they host their annual Flower and Garden Show at their headquarters at Balls Plantation in St. Philip. 
 

The BHS’s Open Garden Programme takes place in the weeks preceding and following that show. 

Some gardens will have vendors selling plants and craft items but NOT all as this depends on whether the garden owner has given their permission for this or not.

This is a programme that is eagerly awaited by locals and visitors alike.

Barbados tropical gardens opened in the past included the following...

Petrea Gardens
Home of Mr and Mrs Marcus Beckles at Trents, St. James. Five acres of lush and spacious garden, enhanced by a beautiful lake, bridged at several points. The Garden is named after the white Petrea plant seen on entering the garden.

Gardenia
Home of Mr and Mrs Cecil Duckworth at The Garden, St.James. Designed by famous landscape artist 'Tabora', the garden features curves, paths and plantings, which complement each other. A riot of bougainvilleas and secluded pool enhance this one and half acre garden.