Bermuda is on display at world-famous Chelsea Flower Show
More than 100,000 people will catch a glimpse of Bermuda's flora and fauna at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show this week.Today the popular event opened to the public, with all 157,000 tickets having sold out weeks ago.The Department of Tourism's new UK Director of Sales Annabelle Marshall and the designer Nicky Gurret at the show and Ms Gurret, a Bermudian who is an architect with Gibbons Management Services Ltd, has medalled the three previous times she entered the prestigious flower show.This year she has teamed up with the Government to present the ‘Bermuda Honeymoon Garden' at the show.The exhibit contains exotic bridal flowers available on the Island, such as fragrant Bermuda Easter Lily and colorful Bermuda Mystery Roses, as well as a Bermuda Cedar tree.The display also highlights some Bermudan wedding traditions, such as the Moon Gate.Tradition has it that newlyweds pass through the Moon Gate to ensure good luck in their married life. Also on display are the traditional two wedding cakes, wrapped in silver and gold leaf. The silver leaf covered fruitcake symbolizes purity for the bride while the gold leaf covered sponge cake is for the groom and is a sign for wealth and prosperity.A Bermuda Cedar sapling is also on display, couples traditionally plant one on their wedding day and the Department of Tourism is telling flower show visitors it gives them the perfect excuse to keep visiting the Island and check up on their wedding tree.Speaking before today's public opening William Griffith, Director of the Department of Tourism, said: “We are thrilled to be part of this year's Chelsea Flower Show for the first time in our history. Nicky has brought our 22 square mile paradise to life for all visitors to the show to experience what Bermuda has to offer.”Mr Griffith added that display would give visitors an idea of the diverse landscapes that could be the backdrop of their wedding or honeymoon, from the sandy beach to the lush greenery.He said including Bermuda's wedding traditions into the display was also important.“Incorporating one of our Bermuda customs into the ceremony ensures visitors to the Island experience our culture in a way that will remain in their memory forever,” he said. “Our cedar tree gives the perfect excuse to couples to return to our island to see how much it and they have grown over the years.”Ms Gurret worked with the London based company Indoor Garden Design to bring her vision to life as well as members of the Department of Parks.Earlier today she said: “I'm thrilled to be representing my country at the year's most famous garden event.“It's the first time visitors to the show will be able to experience the endemic plants of Bermuda, such as the Bermuda Onion and our beautiful cedar tree. And, of course, we're hoping to take home a coveted medal.”