Antigua makes spectacular début at RHS Flower Show

Antigua and Barbuda made a spectacular and historic début at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London last month, capturing global attention with their vibrant, heritage-inspired garden created by the Antigua and Barbuda Horticultural Society (ABHS).

This marks the very first time the twin-island nation has participated in the world renowned show, widely considered the pinnacle of international horticultural exhibitions.

Their début exhibit, titled “A Glimpse into the Past,” was designed by Michael Hunte and Imogen Margrie Hunte and offered a captivating homage to Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural heritage, resilient spirit, and natural environment. The thoughtful and symbolic display earned Antigua and Barbuda a coveted Silver Gilt Medal, just one point away from Gold, an outstanding achievement for their first-ever participation.

Barbara Japal, president of the Antigua and Barbuda Horticultural Society, said “the garden is a living celebration of who we are, our culture, our resilience, and the beauty of our twin islands. To see Antigua and Barbuda represented for the first time at RHS Chelsea is not only a dream realised but a powerful moment for our nation.”

Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to UK, Karen Mae Hill, called it “a landmark moment for Antigua and Barbuda. Making our début at RHS Chelsea is not just an honour, it is a statement. The garden beautifully reflects the essence of our islands, our heritage, our creativity, and our deep-rooted connection to nature. To be showcased on this global stage affirms that Antigua and Barbuda has a rightful place among the world’s most inspiring destinations.”

Cherrie Osborne, UK and Europe director of tourism, added that, “The Antigua Barbuda Horticultural Society has made the destination proud. This début is an incredible platform for Antigua and Barbuda. The garden has captured hearts and attention. It is vibrant, meaningful and creative. We are honoured to share our story through horticultural creativity in this way.”

Rooted in culture, conservation and community, the 10x10 ft garden is a deeply considered celebration of Antigua and Barbuda’s essence. Each feature was thoughtfully chosen to capture the island’s history, biodiversity, and artistic legacy, and to share it with a global audience.

The various themes showcased were: A sugar plantation tribute, featuring rum barrels, sugarcane, crocus sacks, and the iconic Antigua Black Pineapple in all stages of growth;

• A sculpture of the endangered Barbudan fallow deer, resting on soft pink Barbuda sand beside a nod to the world-famous Princess Diana Beach;

• Traditional wattle fencing and palm chains, reimagined from historic construction materials into striking cultural symbols;

• A fish pot installation, alongside clay coal pots and a yabba overflowing with vibrant tropical flowers, all representing everyday island life;

• Drought-resistant and indigenous plants, including agave, aloe, cassie, cotton, bromeliads, cactus, wild periwinkle, and spider lilies;

• Local ground cover made up of natural materials like jumby beads, shack shack pods, mahogany seeds, and dried seaweed – a textured reminder of the islands’ unique biodiversity.

This powerful début reflects the dedication of the ABHS and the cultural pride of a nation stepping onto the global horticultural stage. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show offered thousands of visitors and millions of global viewers the opportunity to experience Antigua and Barbuda’s rich story through the beauty of its garden design, a release noted.