Hunte's Garden in Barbados: A Tropical Heaven

 

One of my favourites gardens. Whenever I am in Barbados, I drive up to this place and just enjoy the tranquility and peace and quiet. Huntes Garden in Barbados is a botanical haven with a rich history and captivating design. Established in the mid-20th century by horticulturist Anthony Hunte, the garden showcases an impressive array of tropical flora indigenous to the Caribbean region. It really is a piece of art and one of my favourite gardens.

The history of Hunte's Garden traces back to the vision of Anthony Hunte, who cultivated the land into a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Originally a sugar plantation, the garden's transformation into a botanical paradise reflects Hunte's passion for preserving and showcasing the diverse plant species of Barbados. You can really feel and sense the years of love and hard work put into this place.

The design of the garden is characterised by its harmonious blend of indigenous and exotic plants, meticulously arranged to create a captivating landscape. Visitors are treated to a sensory experience as they wander through lush pathways, bordered by vibrant flowers, towering palms, and fragrant herbs.

One of the garden's notable features is its collection of rare and endangered species, carefully curated to highlight the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Barbados' natural heritage. From majestic orchids to towering ferns, each plant species contributes to the garden's biodiversity and ecological significance.

Hunte's Garden also offers visitors a glimpse into Barbados' cultural heritage, with traditional Caribbean plants and medicinal herbs interspersed throughout the landscape. Educational tours and workshops provide insight into the island's botanical traditions, offering visitors a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of plants and human culture. Overall, this garden stands as a testament to Anthony Hunte's dedication to botanical excellence and environmental stewardship. Its rich history, diverse plant collections, and captivating design make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and garden lovers alike.

All photos by May @ Das Perspective

Hunte's Garden in Barbados: A Tropical Heaven

Tuesday, 30 December 2025

Poppy Love

 

I was going through some of my old photos and wanted to put up a picture I took in Spitalfields, London, a few years ago — but I ended up coming across this instead. I took it in Provence, France one summer. I just love wild flowers, especially poppies. Speaking of which, I’ve never had much luck growing them in my own garden. Apparently they don’t like weeds, are quite particular about where they grow (yet are somehow also considered easy to grow!).

I realised the problem was probably the soil prep. Because the seeds are so tiny, whenever I watered them after planting, they would scatter everywhere — or at least that’s what I think happened. So I stopped bothering with clearing the soil and now simply put fresh compost where I want them, water the compost first, sprinkle the seeds, cover everything with a cloche, and then leave them alone. It works! I had loads of poppies in the garden this summer.

And after all that effort, I spotted a cluster of poppies growing happily in the pavement just a little further down the road… apparently they don’t mind concrete. :)

Poppy Love

Monday, 24 November 2025