Overlooking the Atlantic Coast, the Andromeda Gardens are Barbados’ premier botanical gardens and indeed the only such gardens in the Caribbean to be partnered with the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society. What started out in the 1950s as a labour of love by self-taught Barbadian botanist Iris Bannochie, was opened to the public in the 1970s, and bequeathed to the Barbados National Trust by Iris upon her death – She is buried at St John’s Parish Church.

Over the years, the gardens have expanded to become a major botanical collection, containing over 600 different species of plant, including over 50 palms, from all parts of the world. Set around a trickling stream, the gardens are brimming with colourful hibiscus – much favoured by the resident hummingbirds – heliconias, bougainvillea and orchids.