8 July 2008

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BRINGS A TOUCH OF PARADISE

The Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago is bringing a touch of Caribbean paradise to this year’s Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (8 -13 July) with a floral showcase of the islands’ tropical beauty that compliments the show’s 2008 theme – Around the World.

Trinbagonian designer Joan Wilson has created a sumptuous array of her island’s floral and foliage material to bring ‘The Caribbean…The World’s Paradise’ to life from the London venue.

Wilson commented: “No where else in the world can visitors feel the tranquillity, serenity and peace found in the chain of tropical islands known as the Caribbean. The sun ripened fruits, vibrant coloured flowers and luxurious foliage combine to create a picture of paradise that captivates all cultures of the world.

“From the moment one arrives on our islands, the tropical breezes, warm seas and sandy beaches provide the perfect environment for a memorable stay.  For past visitors our display will evoke pleasant memories; for others it evokes a dream of things to come.”

This design follows the Horticultural Society of Trinidad & Tobago’s success at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show where Wilson’s ‘Garden of Hope’ was bestowed a prestigious Gold Award.

The display, which highlighted the impact of changing global weather patterns on indigenous plant life, was visited by Trinidad-born news anchor Sir Trevor McDonald and TV presenter Floella Benjamin, also from Trinidad.