London, United Kingdom –Team Grenada has achieved floral glory once again, proudly bringing home its 18th GOLD Medal at the “World Cup of gardening” – the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. This haute-couture event reflects the pinnacle of international gardening trends, and Grenada’s latest triumph in the Floral Medals category reinforces its global reputation as a powerhouse in botanical artistry and cultural storytelling.
This year’s standout exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, “The Old Mill,” is not merely a visual masterpiece, but a heartfelt tribute to Grenadians in the sister isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, who were devastated by Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024. Combining bold tropical blooms, spice-laden textures and historical architecture, the display draws viewers into a vibrant narrative of resilience and renewal.
The exhibit’s centre piece, a beautifully crafted replica of a traditional stone windmill, honours the mills built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Powered by wind and water, these structures were constructed by enslaved individuals. Though originally used to grind sugar cane, the mills now stand as an enduring symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of a people who have weathered centuries of hardships and continue to rise.
Surrounding the windmill is a rich tapestry of Grenadian flora and heritage crops. Bold red and white anthuriums and heliconias rise proudly from the base, forming a dynamic and colourful spectacle alongside a vibrant mix of tropical blooms. The ground is equally expressive. Layers of nutmeg shells, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg pods, and radiant mace form a textured botanical carpet – each element a nod to Grenada’s identity as the Spice Isle. Toward the back, nestled among greenery, cocoa pods emerge – an earthy reminder of the island’s agricultural lifeblood.
According to the team’s overture, “The Old Mill” serves as both a remembrance and a symbol of hope. The same enduring strength that has kept these mills standing through generations of storms is reflected today in the spirit of the Grenadians, who continue to rise in the face of challenges.
My Grenada Solutions Inc. congratulates team Grenada for yet another extraordinary achievement. With 18 Gold Medals from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show now proudly displayed in the nation’s floral legacy, they have once again turned memory, heritage and heartache into a magnificent celebration of Caribbean pride.
