The history of the Rose Garden at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens is closely tied to Bermuda’s long association with roses, which were introduced to the island by early settlers and sailors from the 17th century onward. Thanks to Bermuda’s mild climate, many Old Garden Roses—particularly China, Tea, and Noisette types—adapted exceptionally well and were cultivated in private gardens and estates across the island. By the mid‑20th century, growing interest in preserving these distinctive and often unidentified “mystery roses” led to the formation of the Bermuda Rose Society in 1954, which played a key role in conserving and promoting Bermuda’s rose heritage. The Rose Garden at the Botanical Gardens reflects this legacy, showcasing roses that connect local horticultural history with global rose conservation and research efforts.