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‘Rebranded’ Garden Festival aims to rekindle interest

- steady flow of patrons @ Garden Festival on March 26, 2017
Left: Some of the items on display at the Garden Festival on March 26, 2017. Right: Deputy Director for Science, Research and the Environmental Policy Nancy Pasco informed that the competition that once formed part of the Flower Fest was left out due to dwindling numbers in entries. Photo: VINO
The first annual Garden Festival took place on Sunday March 26, 2017 at the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Garden in Road Town. Photo: VINO
The first annual Garden Festival took place on Sunday March 26, 2017 at the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Garden in Road Town. Photo: VINO
Some of the plants on display at the 2017 Garden Festival. Photo: VINO
Some of the plants on display at the 2017 Garden Festival. Photo: VINO
Some of the plants on display at the 2017 Garden Festival. Photo: VINO
Some of the plants on display at the 2017 Garden Festival. Photo: VINO
There were more than just plants available at Garden Festival 2017. Photo: VINO
There were more than just plants available at Garden Festival 2017. Photo: VINO
Patrons seek information about a specific plant at Garden Festival 2017. Photo: VINO
Patrons seek information about a specific plant at Garden Festival 2017. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In an effort to expand the reach of offerings and target a wider audience, what was previously known as the Flower Show, is now the Garden Festival.

The first annual Garden Festival took place on Sunday March 26, 2017 at the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Garden in Road Town.

Speaking to members of the press, Deputy Director for Marketing, Communication and Business Development, Diehdra Potter explained the rationale for the rebranding.

Expanding festival’s reach

“In the past we used to call it the Flower Show and that is because it was started by the Botanic Society and over the years since the 1980’s, and the National Parks Trust took it over recently. And we sort of rebranded it as the Garden Festival because we are trying to rebrand our target audience and understand what we celebrate,” she said.

“So from celebrating flowers, we want to celebrate the arts, we want to celebrate music, we want to celebrate culture, as well as flowers, plants, landscaping,” Potter added.

Floral competition out

Deputy Director for Science, Research and the Environmental Policy Nancy Pasco informed that the competition that once formed part of the Flower Fest was left out due to dwindling numbers in entries.

“…And we are trying to get people back interested in gardening, and floral arrangement, potting plants, we have some farmers selling their produce, so this year we just decided to invite people to do some displays,” she informed.

Good turnout

Pasco also noted that for the first year, the turnout was “steady flow.”

“I think we are very happy this year, there are two cruise ships in, so there is a mixture of residents and tourists, so I think we have had more of a steady flow of people.”

The event began at 10:00 AM with a performance by Advent Heartbeats, steel pan music, a scavenger hunt and an activity table for children.

Entertainment was provided by DJ Bertrum.

Some of the offerings included floral arrangements, farmers produce, chocolate and cookies, candies, pastries, plants, arts and craft.

5 Responses to “‘Rebranded’ Garden Festival aims to rekindle interest”

  • THE SCHOOLS (27/03/2017, 09:39) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Collaborate with the Ministry of Education & Culture and get the schools involved in participating in the floral competition.
  • Xxx (27/03/2017, 14:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice event
  • mm (27/03/2017, 22:43) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    What does these tree hugers expect to find now?
  • frog (29/03/2017, 00:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wish I had known the event was re-named. I have gone to the flower show in the past, but the garden festival seemed different. It's all in the marketing.


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