The Grenada-Suzanne Gaywood exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014 named ‘Spice Isle’ (GPB/16) has won a coveted Silver-Gilt, to add to the ten Gold Medals awarded to the Caribbean island's garden and Suzanne Gaywood MBE and her team since 1998. Over the past 17 years Suzanne Gaywood's Grenada exhibit has successively been awarded Silver (in 1998), Silver-Gilt (1999, 2000) and then Gold (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005), Silver-Gilt in 2006, Gold in 2007, Silver-Gilt in 2008, Gold in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and now Silver-Gilt in 2014. The focus of the stand is displays of whole spices plus the exotic, spicy colours of Grenadian flora. Suzanne's design highlights the rich vegetation typical of Grenada's rainforest plants on one side and a beach scene on the other. The fresh blooms and spices were grown in Grenada by members of the Chelsea team and arranged to Suzanne’s design ahead of Monday, 19 May, when the display enthralled Press Day visitors including Grenada’s Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel; Dr Johnson Beharry VC – recipient of the highest military decoration for valour in the British and Commonwealth armed forces, who was born in Grenada; and celebrities including Piers Morgan, Fiona Bruce, Lesley Garrett and Sandie Shaw. Multiple Chelsea Gold Medal-winner Suzanne revealed that this year's display, in addition to marking the 40th anniversary of Grenada's independence, is a tribute to one member of the Grenada-based team who died suddenly in 2012. "We have organised the Grenada exhibit at Chelsea for the past 17 years and it is always a thrill to win a medal,” said Suzanne. “I'm delighted for each of the growers and gardeners involved and thank them all for their hard work and dedication. Our late friend Kim Henry was an enthusiastic team member who was with us for four years and made her mark, embracing all aspects of exhibiting with her zeal and efficiency. She loved the show and her part in it.” Grenada’s Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel, said: “Receiving a Silver-Gilt at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a tremendous achievement for Grenada, and is testimony to the hard work and dedication of Suzanne and her team. This Show is second to none, and I’m delighted that Pure Grenada is showcased in such a tangible way to such a discerning global audience.” Each year since 1998 (with a break in 2013), Suzanne has taken her inspiration from Grenadian beaches, forests and gardens, creating a variety of settings that always showcase the pungent spices and vibrant blooms of her homeland. Suzanne said: “Legend has it that if you push a stick into the ground anywhere on the island of Grenada, it will grow. This is due to the fertile soil, plentiful rainfall and perfect climate in which spice trees grow in abundance alongside tropical and subtropical plants of every description.” All connected with the pavilion express their gratitude to the 2014 sponsors: Grenada Tourism Authority; Peter and Lana de Savary for Mount Cinnamon & Port Louis; The Calabash Hotel; The Coyaba Beach Resort; Lanwades Stud; Seafreight Line; John and Joan Buckenham; Hyde Park Tropical Garden; Reg and Trish Scarlett; The Blue Horizons Garden Resort; British Airways. RHS Chelsea Flower Show remains open to the public until Saturday 24 May 2014. Source: gov.gd