Imagine the landscape of Barbados in the 1950s. It was a plantation economy, covered with sugar cane. Crucially, there was no history of garden creation. Yet in 1954, the great and gifted Barbadian, Iris Bannochie (previously Bayley), created a private botanical garden for herself and her family, on over 8 acres of land given to her by her mother. Andromeda is an authentic garden.
Iris was a scientist and a post-war plant collector. She travelled the globe, bringing plants back to Andromeda and Barbados. In the 1970s, 90% of the ornamental plants found in Barbados were introduced by Iris. She really was the queen of Barbadian horticulture and Andromeda Botanic Gardens is her priceless legacy.
As a botanical garden, the key mandates are to conserve, research, educate and display, and what a display! 600 plant species including over 120 species of tree. The collection is simply astonishing and the journey through this 8-acre landscape is ever-changing, fascinating and delightful.
Andromeda is organic and some wonderful wildlife, including the monarch butterfly, has made this historic garden their home. The biodiversity is stunning, helping to create an unforgettable Andromeda experience.
Andromeda Botanic Gardens - Iris Bannochie's legacy and 'the best garden in Barbados.'
