Andromeda Botanic Gardens

Described by a Royal Horticultural Society judge as ‘one of the most unique and outstanding gardens in the world’, Andromeda is the original garden of Barbados. It provides visitors with an authentic garden experience and is a wonderful haven for biodiversity.

Created as a private botanic garden by Iris Bannochie (three Gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show, Silver Crown of Merit issued by the Barbadian government and much more) from the 1950s. At that time, Barbados was simply a land exploited for sugar, and a country without a long history of garden creation. Andromeda is rare and unique. Comprised of about 20 connected gardens, the variety of plants and experiences is incredible. There are over 600 different plant species, including over 100 species of trees. It feels very natural, yet is completely woman-made. Wildlife add so much to the enjoyment! Andromeda Botanic Gardens, ‘the best garden in Barbados by far’, is organic.

What a legacy! However, Andromeda remains misunderstood, underappreciated and under-visited. Iris’ closest contemporary would be the great Beth Chatto from the UK, whose garden is valued and protected.​ One can argue that Iris Bannochie’s achiesvement is far greater, especially when viewed in its full context. We hope Andromeda will, one day, be valued and admired and Iris Bannochie, the queen of Barbadian horticulture and creator of this masterpiece, will not be forgotten.

Iris Bannochie created a garden with dual roles – a pleasure garden and a botanic garden.
​Andromeda Botanic Gardens will continue to delight visitors with its undeniable beauty and will fulfil its role as a botanic garden, defined as follows:
​​”Botanic gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education.”  International Agenda for Botanic Gardens in Conservation