From Plantation to Garden: The Story of Flower Forest
By Rekke Editorial
A unique Barbados garden, located at Richmond Plantation about 850 ft (270 m) above sea level, near the middle of the island. This site was transformed from a traditional Barbados sugar plantation into a stunning botanical garden.
In the 1800's - late 1900's, Richmond was a sugar cane plantation. Although spectacularly beautiful, it was not a model sugar producer. Due to the reduction of sugar production across Barbados, the plantation ceased to operate and fell in to disrepair. In the early 1980s the land went through rejuvenation and layout design by Richard Coghlan from Kew Gardens, due in no small part to the generous donations of funds and design contributions from a group of garden enthusiasts. In December 1983, driven by the brawn of Don Hill, Flower Forest opened for business.
Since that time this wonderful piece of nature has seen several other improvements made. In 1990 a new, larger pavilion was built, conserving the old boiling house with its giant copper boilers in situ, and the old bamboo patch out back. The new pavilion is spacious and contains both indoor and outdoor decks for dining and special events. By 2009 a complete rejuvenation of the garden and facility was needed, then in the second half of the 2010s a new deck overlooking the garden was added and a kitchen renovated and then a significantaddition of handicap accessible facilities, including bathrooms.
Though the garden pathways are flat, for the most part, there is an elevation change is about 15 metres, so people with mobility issues, or requiring wheelchair access will need a strong companion to help descend and re-ascend in some areas.
The Barbados Garden is a dazzling cornucopia of tropical colours, fragrant flowers, chirping birds, cool country breezes... a Flower Forest to delight your senses. Spanning 53 acres, the trees and flowers bloom all year round creating a true botanical paradise, making a visit one of the best Barbados outdoor activities. Savour the fragrances as you to meander along the walkways lined by botanical collections, stopping to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and distant eastern coastline. For the more adventurous there are a myriad of smaller paths and cul-de-sacs to explore and discover.
Many visitors stay between 1 and 2 hours, others spend the whole day exploring all the paths and hidden special places. However long you stay there are also other refreshments available which can allow you to take your time, and break up touring as you enjoy drinks, snacks or lunch on the terrace of the Forest Cafe overlooking the garden. A gift shop for authentic local craft and artwork is also on-site.
The heart of the garden is one of the most romantic places in Barbados. The gazebo has witnessed proposals and small weddings; and the lookout over the East Coast is ideal for wedding photographs.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes which don't slip, moisture can linger in the gardens. Take lots of photos, this is a stunning place for photography, and please respect the grounds, music, litter ruin the ambiance for all, touching, plucking plants, or climbing trees may damage them leaving the site poorer for your visit.
Touring the gardens is self-guided tour, using a pathway map provided on entry, allowing you to discover its beauty at your own pace. The main path is 0.86 km (0.53 miles) and and there are many side pathways to traverse.
The Forest Cafe offers snacks, drinks or lunch in the shaded pavilion or on the open deck, surrounded by nature's beauty.
