Don McDougall the Department of Tourism’s Regional Manager, Europe

The Cayman Islands’ Undersea Reef Garden was awarded two medals – gold in the floral category and the “President’s Most Creative Award” – at this week’s Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show in London.

The Undersea Reef Garden, created by the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in Grand Cayman in association with Newington Nurseries in the UK, has already proven to be one of the major attractions for both media and visitors, with its show-stopping floral re-creation of a Cayman coral reef, according to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (DoT).

“Everyone in the Cayman Islands should be extraordinarily proud of the country’s achievements here this year. It was always going to be a huge challenge to exceed the success of our debut garden in 2008, but thanks to the tireless efforts and inspiration of all those involved, we have succeeded in doing so,” said Tourism Minister Hon Charles Clifford.

“To have achieved a gold medal was wonderful news, however, winning the ‘President’s Most Creative Award’ was really the icing on the cake.”

The Minister said the presentation in the British capital had many dimensions.

“This year our achievement has had many dimensions; not only have we showcased our floral and nature product, but we have brought the world class underwater and dive product to the attention of the media and the public on a widespread level, and furthermore we have demonstrated that we are passionate about the environment,” he said.

The Cayman Islands Undersea Reef Garden enjoyed two visits during the Royal walkabout, with His Royal Highness Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall making a beeline for the garden, as well as The Earl and Countess of Wessex, the DoT said in a press release this week.

According to the DoT, the garden has attracted a great deal of media coverage across national print media, online, national radio and television, not to mention regionally. “The awards, announced today will guarantee a second wave of press coverage considerably raising the Cayman Islands profile in the British media,” the DoT said.

Don McDougall, the Department of Tourism’s Regional Manager, Europe, thanked everyone who contributed to Cayman’s success.

“I would like to thank wholeheartedly everyone who made this show happen. Andrew Guthrie and his team from the Botanic Park of course, along with Stephen Hendry of Newington Nurseries in the UK who helped him to create such a stunning exhibit; the Tropical Marine Centre for the artificial lighting and coral, and Peter Hillenbrand of the Southern Cross Club and the Central Caribbean Marine Institute.

“Finally, all the volunteers and employees of the Department of Tourism for their tireless work and enthusiasm in helping to stage and promote one of the most spectacular gardens that the Chelsea Flower Show has ever seen,” he said.