Grenada wins 8th Gold Medal at Chelsea Flower Show

Grenada’s pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2010 has won a coveted Gold Medal, the eighth to be awarded to the Caribbean island’s pavilion since 1998.

The theme for this year’s winning exhibit, called ‘The Spice of Life – A Grenada Garden’ and created by Grenadian-born Suzanne Gaywood was inspired by the vibrant private gardens all over the island which burst with colour and fragrance year-round.

The colourful tropical plants, flowers and spices flown in from the island to recreate a traditional Grenadian homestead complete with sun-dappled veranda surrounded by blooms and spices attracted celebrities including Susan Hampshire.

Commenting on her team's success, Suzanne Gaywood said: “We have organised the Grenada exhibit at Chelsea for the past 13-years and it is always a thrill to win a Gold Medal. The pavilion is a showcase for Grenada and encapsulates the lush flora and abundant spices that fill the sea breezes with their delicate fragrances. I’m delighted for each of the growers and gardeners involved and thank them for their hard work and dedication.”

Her Excellency Glynis Roberts, Minister for Tourism, visiting from Grenada, said: “We are delighted that Suzanne and her team have won their eighth Gold Medal. RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the ideal way to show off the quality, variety and beauty of the vibrant blooms growing in Grenada, and a great way to inspire people to visit the island.”

The High Commissioner for Grenada, H.E. Ruth Elizabeth Rouse was also at Chelsea and commented: “Chelsea is the ultimate gardening event and the exhibit created by Suzanne and her UK and Grenada team provides an authentic and inspiring vision of the Isle of Spice.”

All connected with the pavilion express their gratitude to the 2010 sponsors, namely: The Grenada Board of Tourism, Lanwades Stud, Peter de Savary (Port Louis and Mount Cinnamon Beach Hotel), SeaFreight Line, The Horticultural Society Of Grenada, & Individual Society Members, Coyaba Beach Resort, John and Joan Buckenham, John & Fay Miller, Reg & Trish Scarlett, British Airways (Grenada), and Cécile La Grenade.

Special thanks are also due to the individuals in Grenada and the UK without whose commitment and hard work the enduring success of the Grenada pavilion would not be possible: Catherine John, Kim Henry, John Criswick, Albert St Bernard, Suzanne and Peter Gaywood, Brian and Sue Cumming, Dave and Jane Weedon, Ivor and Gill Brearley, Kester Worme and Florence Richards.

In October this year, Suzanne Gaywood will escort the first specialist guided tour of Grenada’s gardens and spice plantations providing an opportunity for UK travellers to discover for themselves the exotic flowers and spices that have inspired her winning team over the years. The seven night Gardens & Spice Plantations Tour of Grenada is available exclusively through Golden Caribbean and includes return flights, accommodation and unprecedented access to gardens, nurseries and plantations from £999 per person.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show remains open to the public until Saturday 29 May 2010.

For more information on Grenada, visit: Grenadagrenadines.com