Ready for Chelsea

THE EXTENDED DRY spell affecting the island has also impacted on the Barbados Horticultural Society (BHS).
President Orson Daisley said the very low levels of rainfall meant the BHS was unable to produce enough flowers to take to the Royal Horticultural Society’s annual Chelsea Flower Show in England.
“We were affected tremendously because with no rain flowers do not bloom, therefore the BHS had to buy a lot of its flowers and count on donations from local flower growers,” he said. 
Daisley spoke yesterday at the BHS’ headquarters at  Balls plantation, Christ Church, where a team of over 20 of the society’s members and volunteers prepared the flowers to be shipped to the show that takes place from May 14 to 27.
He said given the economic challenges, they had to look for a lot more funding and asked more donors for help, but reduced cost by doing some things within the society. This year they made the props themselves and also depended heavily on volunteers.
Yesterday, the flowers were being washed with a special chemical to ensure there was no fungus, insects or bugs.  Daisley said the Ministry of Agriculture would today inspect the flowers to ensure they were ready for shipment. The 30 boxes of locally grown flowers include peonies, palms, lily, orchids, anthuriums and heliconias, in addition to foliage and ferns.
The single display will be a grand 20×20 square feet.
Barbados will be bidding for its 16th gold medal with the exhibit themed Sailor’s Valentine Garden. The nine-member team, led by Jenny Weetch, will leave the island tomorrow.
Barbados has participated in the prestigious show since 1988, garnering the credible record of 15 gold and ten silver gilt. Last year the team earned a silver gilt, but is hoping for gold this year. (LK)