19 June 2008                                                                                               

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO WINS GOLD AT THE RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW WITH A TOUCH OF THE TROPICAL

The Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago has been awarded a prestigious Gold Award at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, making it the only exhibiting Caribbean destination to win the gold accolade. 

The display, titled ‘Garden of Hope’ showcases the islands’ tropical flora and fauna in a garden that compliments the show’s theme - gardening with climate change.

Visitors to the Garden of Hope included Trinidad-born news anchor Sir Trevor McDonald and TV presenter Floella Benjamin, also from Trinidad.

Changing global weather patterns have had a drastic effect on the plant and wildlife in many regions, with seasons becoming unpredictable and species needing to adapt to shifting conditions. In Trinidad and Tobago, gardeners have seen many of the tropical islands’ plants flowering and fruiting out of season due to changeable wet and dry spells.

As part of the Garden of Hope, designed by Joan Wilson, President of the Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago, the islands’ floral and foliage material has been harnessed to showcase how displaced plants, unique to Trinidad and Tobago, can survive and harmoniously co-exist throughout the changing seasons.

The Garden of Hope’s design demonstrates this through a blend of dry and fresh plant material.  The use of dried coconuts shredded into mulch, dried seeds, peas, pods, coffee and rice hull will demonstrate the value of dried plant materials as sustainable and environmentally friendly resources, while live plant material on show, is the result of responsible cultured gardening on the two islands.

Joan Wilson commented: “Our Garden of Hope focuses on the use of dried and fresh plant material from Trinidad and Tobago to create a greater awareness of the versatility of resources available on the islands.

“Trinidad and Tobago’s treasured flora and fauna are among its most beautiful and appealing attributes for both residents and visitors alike, and as with so many other destinations around the world, they are beginning to feel the effects of global climate change.  It is therefore vital that we increase awareness about these effects and look at ways to adapt in order to help preserve their natural beauty.  Our presence at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one such way of getting the message out there.”