Hunte's Gardens: A Botanical Paradise in a Gully

Hunte's Gardens is a captivating botanical garden nestled in the lush hills of St. Joseph, Barbados. Created by Anthony Hunte, this enchanting garden is located within a naturally formed gully, once part of a sugarcane plantation. Hunte began transforming the area in the 1990s, and opened it to the public in 2007. The gardens are characterized by a multi-level environment with winding footpaths, clearings, and secluded resting areas. Hunte has carefully curated the garden to showcase a diverse range of tropical plants, including royal palms, ginger lilies, heliconias, and bird-of-paradise flowers. Visitors can explore mini-gardens, each with its own unique character, and discover hidden enclaves with statues, antiques, and decorative pieces. Hunte's Gardens is not only a place of natural beauty but also a testament to Barbadian history. The site retains elements of its colonial past, with stone buildings and structures dating back several centuries. The central structure is Hunte's residence, a converted stable filled with antique furnishings and open-air rooms that visitors may tour. Anthony Hunte often welcomes guests personally, sharing his knowledge of the gardens and offering refreshments on the veranda.