It was on a walk through Hunte’s Gardens where I saw a poinsettia growing outside for the first time. While my own potted specimen was withering away after the holidays in my cold, dim house in the dead of winter, I had escaped to sunny Barbados with my husband and friends. Hunte’s Gardens, a tropical haven that bills itself as “The most enchanting place on earth” had piqued our interest enough when deciding on a day trip, that I didn’t feel like my friends were indulging the garden writer in the group. Everyone was interested in checking it out.

Located in Saint Joseph Parish on the eastern side of Barbados, Hunte’s Gardens was conceived by Bajan horticulturist and passionate plantsman Anthony Hunte. The land was once part of a sugar cane plantation called Castle Grant, and much of the garden was built within a massive limestone sinkhole on the property.

Take your time strolling through Hunte’s Gardens

It’s evident Hunte has painstakingly planted each area of the garden. Royal palms already existed within the sinkhole, but Hunte added to the canopy with more varieties. Between the trees, the unique topography has allowed for layers of gardens, creating depth with the colors and textures of the plantings. I found myself backtracking a few times to make sure I hadn’t missed anything.

You really feel like you’ve entered another world as you descend the steps into the garden. The sounds of birdsong, trickle of fountains, and chords of classical music wafting in the breeze create a peaceful ambiance. There are so many details to look at, from sculptures and signs, to ornamental pots, and of course, the plants.

Apparently Mr. Hunte can often be found somewhere in the garden. We didn’t see him while we were there, but his passion for plants, creativity, and eye for details is woven throughout the entire garden.

Stepping into hidden garden rooms

Visiting gardens is a great opportunity to bring home ideas to your own space. Hunte has done a great job at creating private “rooms.” Many hidden nooks provide seating so that you can pause and contemplate your surroundings—or just rest on a hot day.

Discovering new-to-you-plants

I kept my Seek by iNaturalist app busy during my visit because I kept wanting to identify the plants I encountered. I use this app a lot where I live to identify native plants I encounter in the woods or plants that I see in gardens on my walks.

Hunte’s Gardens does have a helpful photo board that corresponds with a plant list for those who are really curious about the plant varieties they are looking at.

Appreciating ornamental pots and containers

Arrangements of potted plants are deliberately displayed among all the in-ground plantings at the garden. And if there is a surface like a table or a shelf, you’ll find orchids, crotons, or bromeliads. Some containers even feature sculptures. Others are like miniature ponds in a pot.

Some of the foliage is just as interesting as the flowers

Besides the the assortment of palms and the incredible blooms, a lot of the foliage provides visual interest throughout the garden. It demonstrates that leaves can also be superstars in a garden or in a potted arrangement.

Identifying familiar plants

Tropical gardens are always a treat because I get to see plants that are only sold as indoor plants or annuals where I live. And usually, they are much smaller in size.

If you stroll through a garden center, especially in the winter, you will be greeted by a wide variety of tropical plants. When you get to see them growing naturally, outdoors in a tropical climate, sometimes you don’t recognize them at first. A lot of these plants grow much bigger when they’re provided with the right growing conditions.

An impressive tree canopy

You can end your visit with refreshments

After exploring Hunte’s Gardens, you can enjoy refreshments and browse the gift shop before you leave. We headed to the rugged beaches at Bathsheba after our visit.

Postscript: Checking out a local gardening event

I also happened to be in Barbados at the same time as the Barbados Horticultural Society’s Annual Flower and Garden Show. Our winter and spring garden shows are indoors in Ontario, so it was fun to attend something happening outside. There were vendors and plant sellers, as well as flower show competitions.

Other Savvy Gardening travel destinations

• The Keukenhof in the Netherlands
• The Chelsea Flower Show in London, England