The mild, subtropical weather of Barbados has nourished an astonishing variety of flora and fauna on the island and our gardens are among the lushest and most varied and interesting of any in the world. African, Indian and English vegetation have made their home here for centuries and Bajans are proud of the gorgeous flowers of the island. The national flower of Barbados is a deep red color framed in yellow and called the “Pride of Barbados;” it is easily found planted in thick hedges throughout the country.

In 1927 the Barbados Horticultural Society was created and it remains one of the oldest associations of its kind in the British Commonwealth. The Society has focused on exhibitions throughout its long history and now has its headquarters and exhibition hall on Balls Plantation in Christ Church.

Following are a number of botanical and ecological gems located throughout the island.

Andromeda Botanic Gardens Andromeda Botanic Gardens is nestled on a cliff overlooking the east coast on six acres of carefully landscaped grounds with lavishly colored palms, orchids, exotics and shrubs. They represent what is perhaps the best collection of indigenous and exotic tropical flowers and plants to be found anywhere in the Caribbean. The Animal Flower Cave This cave is situated on the North Point of Barbados where the surf pounds against the cliffs. This is truly a photographer's paradise and whales can sometimes be spotted from this high vantage point. Animal flowers, better known as sea anemones, are how the cave got its name. Barbados Wildlife Reserve The reserve is a mahogany forest where animals live in freedom. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the Barbados green monkey, plus otters, mongooses, porcupines and deer, among other creatures. Bathsheba Located on the rugged east coast, Bathsheba affords splendid landscapes, as the coastline is strewn with detached masses of rock over which the Atlantic rollers break, forming cascades of foam. Farley Hill National Park Farley Hill National Park contains the ruins of a once grand plantation house and a superb collection of exotic trees. Flower Forest Offers a combination of a botanical garden and a nature trail; with a dramatic landscape of tropical plants, orchids, and flowers, breathtaking views of palm groves, rugged hills and the wild east coast.

Harrison’s Cave The only cave of its kind in the Caribbean and unexplored until 1970, this leading attraction is claimed by experts to be among the wonders of the world. Offering public tours with a special tram, the cave houses limestone caverns carved by the steady forces of nature, yielding a network of underground streams. A vast cavern boasts underground streams and a 40-foot waterfall plunging into a lagoon. Colored lighting accents arches and prehistoric formations. Orchid World Orchid World is set amongst the sugar cane fields of the parish of St. George and it is a fantastic stop. Admire thousands of orchids in bloom as you wind your way along the paths. The vivid colors are truly unbelievable and photos never do this garden justice. Stargazing Take to the heavens at the Harry Bayley Observatory, home of the Barbados Astronomical Society. Open Fridays 8:30pm to 11:30pm. Welchman Hall Gully Once a mile-long limestone cave, the gully is now flanked by cliffs and awesome formations, boasting some 200 species of tropical plants. This oasis recalls a wilderness as it appeared to the island’s first settlers. The Oughterson Zoo The zoo in Barbados is incomparable. The animals live here uncaged and in their natural habitat (well, all but the python) and the combination of family activity and nature walk, the lush mahogany forest and the footpaths make the Wildlife Reserve very accessible.