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Antigua Barbuda Horticultural Society is the centre for learning teaching and sharing the science of plants. We enhance the process with a seed bank where we collect and store heritage seeds for distribution for our farmers, local residents and visitors.
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Dry Weather gardening tips!

Antigua Barbuda Horticultural Society

DRY WEATHER TIPS

  • THINK AND PLAN AHEAD-
  • WHEN PLANTING A GARDEN ALWAYS TRY TO FIND SUITABLE PLANTS FOR ANTIGUA’S INEVITABLE DRY CONDITIONS.
  • USE ALL AVAILABLE WATER, CATCH IT FROM YOUR SHOWER, FACE BASIN, ETC
  • USE WASHING MACHINE AND KITCHEN SINKS WATER (LOOK FOR BIODEGRADEABLE SOAP).
  • WATER IN THE EVENING.
  • TARGET WATER MAKE SURE YOU WATER THE BASE OF THE PLANT AROUND THE DRIP LINE WITH A BUCKET (AVOID THE HOSE)
  • GET RAIN BARRELS (KEEP IT COVERED AND PUT A ¼ CUP OF COOKING OIL TO PREVENT MOSQUITOS.
  • MULCH WITH GRAVEL, LAWN AND LEAF CLIPPINGS
  • AVOID WOOD CHIPS (POTENTIAL TERMITE PROBLEM)
  • USE SAUCERS AND GRAVEL TRAYS
  • USE SOIL MOIST E.G. HYDROGELS
  • MAKE A WELL AROUND BASE OF PLANTS FOR WATER TO COLLECT
  • WATER DEEPLY (SO LESS OFTEN)
  • TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SHADY AREAS OF THE GARDEN PLACE POTTED PLANTS UNDER TREES
  • USE PLENTY OF ORGANIC MATTER
  • USE GLAZED CONTAINERS THAT HOLDS MOISTURE
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Torch Ginger

Etlingera elatior (also known as torch ginger, ginger flower, red ginger lily, torch lily, wild ginger, 800px-Torch_Ginger_(macro)is a species of herbaceous perennial plant. Botanical synonyms include Nicolaia elatior, Phaeomeria magnifica, and Alpinia magnifica.

The showy pink flowers are used in decorative arrangements, we call them tropicals, they require lots of moisture and semi shade, torch ginger flowers may reach 17 to 20 feet in height. Plant it where it is somewhat protected from the wind, which can snap the shoots of this tropical plant. Due to the large height, growing torch ginger in containers may not be feasible.Fertilise with food high in potassium for the best blooms.

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2015 Winners

best in showwinners2015 Flower and Garden Show

2015   ABHS Flower and Garden Show

Winners

Generis Taylor Hodge ‘Best In Show’    gen

Lorraine Davis (1st, Floral Arrangement)

Tonya Samuel

Clayton Isaac

Paget Graham

Evelyn Jacobs

Percy Arthurton

Marcia English

Montgomery Lewis

Pat Fraser

Theresa Gregory

Barbara Japal

 

Best Booth:

Mrs Pat Simon Forde ( Front yard garden)

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Flower arranging

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  1. Vertical:

 arrangement for a pedestal in colours of your choice.

Size: Height 36” base: 15”

Plant material: Exotics and foliage Example: Anthurium, Heliconia, Gingers, Sanseviera, Reeds, Bamboo.

A base and drape may be used
  1. Triangular:

Size: Height 12-15” Width: 18 –20”

Garden flowers: Oleanders, bougainvillas, roses, ixora, pentas

Fillers: Fine foliage, spiky blooms, whitehead etc.

 

 3.Assymetrical:

An all Foliage arrangement.

Size: Height: 20” Width: 25 – 30”

Plant material: Your choice of material:

Crotons, Palm leaves, Dracaena, etc.

Container: Your choice of Low Rectangular Oval or Round

 

  

 

 

4. Antiguan Holiday Postcard”

Beach scene, scenic, Landscape POSTCARD

Colour scheme: Monochromatic

Size overall: No larger than 12” x 12” No less than 6” x 6”

Shape: Your choice.

arrangement must have:A Backdrop or Drape and a Base.

 

 5.Dried Arrangement:

Plant material: Any dried part of any variety of PALM – leaves or seed parts, stems etc. may include other dried material from the garden

Container: Hand made i.e. Clay

Varnish, Spray paint, glitter, gilt may be used.