Lifelong flora fanatic Suzanne Gaywood MBE has just returned from her annual visit to the Caribbean island of Grenada, the inspiration for the ‘Grenada-Suzanne Gaywood’ exhibit she designs each year for the Great Pavilion, and reports that the island has once again proved to be a bountiful muse.
Each year since 1998, Suzanne has taken her inspiration from Grenadian beaches, forests and gardens, creating a variety of settings that always showcase the pungent spices and vibrant blooms of her homeland. Her team’s efforts have been rewarded with nine Gold Medals over the years.
Suzanne said: “Legend has it that if you push a stick into the ground anywhere on the island of Grenada, it will grow. This is due to the fertile soil, plentiful rainfall and perfect climate in which spice trees grow in abundance alongside tropical and subtropical plants of every description.”
In 2012, Suzanne plans to create a Tropical Paradise for visitors to RHS Chelsea Flower Show to enjoy. She said: “Heliconias, gingers, musas, anthuriums, orchids and other rain forest plants will adorn, almost smother, our rustic circular pavilion in an explosion of colour and scent.”
The Grenada – Suzanne Gaywood exhibit is GPB/11. See Suzanne’s website for full details.