Having had the most idyllic experience at Huntes Gardens we were left hungry to explore more of the islands flora and fauna to appreciate Barbados’ natural beauty.

After a pottery session that got our creative juices flowing, moulding and hand painting clay pots at Earthworks; we ventured to the Flower Forest which was a fifteen minute drive – located at the heart of the island.

As we parked the car, we noticed beautiful little tiled ceramic signs instantly recognisable as having been produced at Earthworks. They directed us to the entrance where little fairy lights paved the way to an open restaurant area. We were ravenous so decided to order lunch. They had a rather unusual process in place whereby you select your food and drinks and then walk around the gardens and your food is served on your return. Thankfully there were some snacks we could purchase such as crisps and cake to take with us on our journey around the forested gardens.

We purchased our tickets at the gift shop; which featured locally produced art and crafts such as straw baskets, paintings, mahogany ornaments etc and included ceramics from Earthworks. Here, we were provided with a map which included trails around the grounds on one side, and a flower guide on the other, so our son Arlo enjoyed spotting the floral delights as he lead the way. There are fifty-three acres of botanical splendour and the main trail allows you to see a great deal of this. We however, opted to saunter idly discovering some of the alternative routes, enjoying exploring the scenic trails among the towering Cabbage Palms and splendiferous vibrant floral displays.

There was an abundance of the most vivid scarlet and cerise Anthurium Lilies, hanging Upside Down Heliconia that were shining bright like red beacons in the midday sun; And symbolic of their name were the Red Hot Cat Tails, all fluffy and majestically sculpted, delicately hanging from the branches – or as Arlo described them as “hot pink tarantulas!”

My most favourite native flower beaming bodaciously was the was the Pink Torch Ginger. It was an impressive tall-stemmed structure with a somewhat complex inflorescence. A tight clumping torch such as ginger with upturned fuchsia pink enlarged bracts (which do not fully open to create its tulip shape) and the contrasting purple backing on its leaves are what distinguish this prolific flowerer.

You can’t help but become absorbed by the beauty and graciousness of the flora in this enchanting forest.

It was scorching day so we were thankful to be strolling along paths shaded by the skyscraping Cabbage and Macaw Palms, elegant cylindric structures of Bamboo and the densely layered Cordyline and Croton colourful shrubs (to name but a few).

Being on an elevated part of the island we benefited from the easterly breeze rustling through the foliage. The wider vista was also breathtaking, with rolling hills and the vivid blue east coast ocean glistening on the horizon. There is plenty of seating located around the grounds to relax and take in these magnificent views. Be sure to grab a selfie through the beautiful ceramic tiled rectangular sculpture created by Earthworks, it framed Arlo beautifully against the botanical backdrop.

Needing sustenance, we returned from our trek an hour later, following the endearing ceramic signage and navigated our way back to the restaurant to be served our meal of flying fish cutter and seasoned fries – which was very flavoursome but sadly cold. Ideally the restaurant should provide a time that lunch would be served to ensure delivering a hot meal. Hopefully this isn’t the usual ordering process and it was a result of staffing issues on the day. We had worked up a huge appetite by then so we were appreciative to have food in what was the most charming outdoor setting with birds chirping around us, so it didn’t hinder our experience in anyway and we thoroughly enjoyed our time at this captivating Flower Forest.

THE SPECIFICS

Opening Times: 8am – 4pm everyday (except Christmas Day & Good Friday).

Entrance Fee: Adults: US$15 (BDS$30) / Children 4-12 years: US$7.50 (BDS$15) / Children under 4: FREE. Both card payment and cash payments in BDS and USD are accepted here.

Restaurant & Gift Shop: Admission tickets purchased at the gift shop, selling locally produced art and crafts such as Earthworks ceramics. Restaurant opening times can vary. We recommend that you arrive before 2pm top place your order to avoid disappointment. Light snacks can be purchased here also.

Toilets: There are some clean washroom facilities available near to the entrance, so be sure to visit before you start your trail.

Parking: Ample free parking in the designated carpark area.

Location: Flower Forest, Richmond Road, Melvin Hill, Richmond Rd, Sugar Hill, Barbados.