The Grenada-Suzanne Gaywood exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012 named ‘Tropical Paradise’ (GPB/11) has won a coveted Gold Medal, the tenth to be awarded to Suzanne Gaywood MBE and the Caribbean island’s pavilion since 1998.
Heliconias, gingers, musas, anthuriums, orchids and other rain forest plants adorn – almost smother – a rustic circular pavilion in an explosion of colour and scent to create a Tropical Paradise that provides an authentic taste of Grenada. The fresh blooms and spices were grown in Grenada by members of the Chelsea team and arranged to Suzanne’s design ahead of Monday 21 May when the vibrant display enthralled Press Day visitors including HM The Queen and celebrities such as Sir Trevor McDonald, Piers Morgan, Jerry Hall and Ringo Starr.
The garden’s purpose is to promote the Caribbean island through the world-famous horticultural show.
Suzanne Gaywood, who has previously been awarded an MBE for her contribution to Grenadian tourism, said 10 golds was “a pretty good record”.
“It’s a mixture of huge relief, excitement and pride at the achievement of the whole team,” she said.
She described the display as and “Anglo-Grenadian project” with the plants grown in the Caribbean and exhibits designed and created in Essex.
Over the past 13 years Suzanne Gaywood’s Grenada exhibit has successively been awarded Silver (in 1998), Silver-Gilt (1999 & 2000) and then Gold (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005), Silver-Gilt in 2006, Gold in 2007, Silver-Gilt in 2008, Gold in 2009 & Gold in 2010.
- BBC
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