11 July 2008

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO WINS GOLD AT THE HAMPTON COURT PALACE FLOWER SHOW

The Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago has been awarded a prestigious Gold Award at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (8 -13 July), just weeks after achieving the same accolade at the 2008 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  

To compliment the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show’s 2008 theme Around the World, Trinbagonian designer Joan Wilson 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, who is President of the Horticultural Society of Trinidad & Tobago, 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.”

Wilson was also behind the ‘Garden of Hope’ that was bestowed a prestigious Gold Award at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The display highlighted the impact of changing global weather patterns on indigenous plant life by showcasing how displaced plants can survive and harmoniously co-exist throughout the changing seasons.