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Last year I designed a wedding on the most beautiful island I have ever seen – Antigua.  The entire wedding weekend was wonderful and to top it off, I had a private tour of the gardens at the resort with the 2 head gardeners Ezra and Smooth!  It was truly idyllic and I have dreamt of going back ever since – with my husband Joe and sons, John 19 and Kyle 23 years old.   Truly, there was nothing better than having my family all to myself (trapped, if you will) on this island paradise.    

Antigua is an island in the eastern Caribbean 14 miles long and 11 miles wide.  The climate boasts winter temperatures in the mid-seventies and summer in the mid-eighties.  Known as one of the sunniest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua only gets about 45 inches of rainfall annually – compare that to the 58 inches of SNOW we got in Pennsylvania this winter… needless to say, I’ve had my bags packed since January!

If you are a garden fan like me, do not forget to plan ahead for a garden and property tour.  Ezra and Smooth were more than happy to show me their gardens and the latest additions to the property.  I was excited to see them again and their exotic gardens.   It doesn’t get much better than having a behind-the-scenes tour on your vacation with another gardener who is more than happy to show you what they love.  It’s as easy as asking the concierge or hotel manager if you can meet the head gardener or designer and if they would be willing to show you around.  Chances are great they will not only be flattered, but will enjoy speaking with another garden enthusiast (you) too! 

My “boys” Joe, Kyle and John and I had blast fishing, eating, swimming, sailing….everything Antigua has to offer.  My “Antigua boys” Ezra, Smooth and I had a great time reuniting and talking about the beautiful island and its indigenous plants.   So don’t forget or be hesitant to ask to speak with the property’s gardener – a special tour or even conversation will make for a wonderful addition to any once in a lifetime trip!

- Barbara