For flower and plant-lovers, Barbados offers some delightful tropical gardens, full of brightly-coloured blooms, set amidst lush green ferns, and palms.

The gardens are also prime sights to catch sight of iridescent hummingbirds – the island has two species – flitting around the foliage, especially early in the morning. The main botanical gardens are at Andromeda, overlooking the East Coast.

Barbados’ hilly Scotland District also boasts two gardens: the more extensive Flower Forest and the smaller, more curated Hunte’s Gardens. Set on flatter terrain in the south-central area, the Tropical Garden formerly specialised in orchids but has more recently been expanding its collection.

For a more primeval experience, consider visiting Welchman Hall Gully, which is stuffed full of plants and has a more jungle-like feel. If you’re visiting in the dry season, there’s the added treat of the Barbados Horticultural Society’s Flower and Garden Show and their Open Gardens season.

Although they’re all delightful spots to take a picnic, each garden has a café serving liquid refreshment – at the very least – and some serve snacks or light lunches too.