BOTANICAL NEWS & RESOURCES
WESTMEATH ORCHARD PROJECT PART 1
Despite rainy conditions, volunteers from BBS, ArchRe, and Bermuda Is Love turned out in force to kick off Phase One of this restoration project. With guidance from Jonathan Lightbourne (Nature’s Compass), a neglected area has taken its first steps toward renewal. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
Lecture Series: Synopsis of BZS Trunk Island Living Classroom
The vision of a “Living Classroom” dedicated to restoring the island's native biodiversity through community engagement and stewardship comes to life through BZS’s conservation, education and volunteer programmes. Join Trevor Rawson, Conservation Manager of Trunk Island, who will provide a brief history of BZS’s impact and significant programmes that the 7-acre island is involved in.
The lecture is free to attend, but a $10 donation will be gratefully received. Donations can be made on the night or online at https://bzs.bm/support/donate
Bermuda College Eco Club
The Bermuda Botanical Society (BBS) was delighted to provide financial support to the Bermuda College Eco Club for their highly successful working visit to the Bahamas. During the trip, students took part in hands‑on environmental activities, including seawater sampling and testing at the University of The Bahamas, as well as assisting the Bahamas National Trust with a cleanup effort at a local nature reserve. The experience offered valuable practical learning while reinforcing the importance of regional collaboration in environmental conservation.
An Evening Conversation with Dr. Jodey Peyton
Join us for an informal evening with Dr. Jodey Peyton, Senior Projects & Conservation Officer at the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum, during her visit to Bermuda. From 5:00 pm on Wednesday 27 March at The Botanist Café & Garden Lounge, enjoy light refreshments and the chance to hear about conservation work across island ecosystems, invasive species management, and the importance of community involvement in protecting biodiversity.
Orchard Revival Project – Growing Together at Westmeath
The Bermuda Botanical Society is delighted to support an exciting Orchard Revival Project at Westmeath, a not‑for‑profit organization with registered charity status. This special initiative aims to breathe new life into the existing citrus orchard, transforming it into a vibrant, productive, and welcoming green space for staff and clients alike.
With a little care—and the right plants—the orchard can once again flourish. Beyond providing fresh fruit, the revived space will offer a peaceful outdoor environment for relaxation, learning, and connection with nature.
10th June | Join Us for Another Rose Garden Cleanup at The Botanist Café
Join us on Wednesday May 13th, 9 - 11 am for another enjoyable morning of tending to the Rose Collection, catching up with friends and enjoying refreshments courtesy of The Botanist Cafe. Please let me know if you plan on attending.
On another totally different note, received an email from a Sigurd Wilbanks, Biochemistry Department of the University of Otago in New Zealand and of the Botanical Art Society of New Zealand, who is researching Else Bostelmann - the artist, probably best known to most of us as the one who so brilliantly executed the drawings of the fish that Beebe saw on his dive. However, Else apparently also did a lot of plant drawings whilst in Bermuda. If anyone has information on this please let me know.
Out & About in the Botanical Gardens
I went for a walk in the botanical garden, enjoying the colors and fresh air. The paths were calm and shaded, with flowers and greenery creating a peaceful backdrop at every turn. It was an easy, refreshing moment to slow down and take in the natural beauty around me.
BBS at Trunk Island
After a brilliant tour of Harrington Sound - watching long tail aerobatics, or visiting up close on the nest, a glimpse of the elusive HS Barn Owl, fact & fiction of Devil's Hole, seeing the erosive forces at work and learning of the vast network of caves, on to Trunk Island with red and black mangrove communities, hybrid, cloned and original cedars, ancient palmetto grove, thriving olivewoods and many rare natives. A wonderful morning with Trevor Rawson, such a knowledgeable guide who's passion for the environment is contagious!
Botanical Bridges Congress, 2026
BBS was pleased to assist both BBS Member Danny Simmons, and BAMZ Trevor Rawson in attending the 2026 Botanical Bridges Congress in the Dominican Republic earlier this year. These conferences enable participants, along with gaining up to date research and scientific information it also enable them to liaise with and establish working relationships with other Botanical Garden personnel and experts in various botanic fields. "The congress is a valuable professional experience, allowing me to engage with regional botanical institutions, share work, and bring back insights that will directly inform my ongoing efforts."
BBS at the 2026 Agricultural Exhibition
An enjoyable 3 days encouraging the children to take part in the very popular 'How's Your Sense of Smell' quiz! who were thrilled to receive one of the 100 'Grow Your Own' kits. Engaging conversation with adults on the role of the BBS (gained several new BBS members), the BGSC and the Audubon Society. Many thanks to the numerous volunteers who made this possible.
Rose Garden Clean up
There are some mornings that remind us why we come together—and our recent Rose Garden Cleanup at The Botanist Café was exactly that kind of day.
From the moment volunteers arrived, the Rose Garden buzzed with positive energy. Friends greeted one another, new connections were made, and before long, gloves were on and tools were in hand. With teamwork at the heart of it all, the garden quickly transformed as weeds were cleared, beds were refreshed, and the roses were lovingly tended by many willing hands.
Nicotiana tabacum Article
Tobacco plants, Nicotiana tabacum are occasionally seen around the island. It is member of the very large Solanaceae family which includes edible plants such as tomato and potato as well as those that will do humans harm such as deadly nightshade and the daturas. Possibly introduced by early shipwrecked sailors the first records date back to 1610 when Sir George Somers labelled Tobacco Bay on his 1610 chart. It became an important export crop early in the development of the Islands with rents and salaries being paid with tobacco.
Join Us Again for Another Rose Garden Cleanup at The Botanist Café
Join us on Wednesday May 13th, 9 - 11 am for another enjoyable morning of tending to the Rose Collection, catching up with friends and enjoying refreshments courtesy of The Botanist Cafe. Please let me know if you plan on attending.
On another totally different note, received an email from a Sigurd Wilbanks, Biochemistry Department of the University of Otago in New Zealand and of the Botanical Art Society of New Zealand, who is researching Else Bostelmann - the artist, probably best known to most of us as the one who so brilliantly executed the drawings of the fish that Beebe saw on his dive. However, Else apparently also did a lot of plant drawings whilst in Bermuda. If anyone has information on this please let me know.
Visit to High Point
High Point BBS Tour with Guide, Wendy Mcleod, a BBB & board member. What a transformation, so much to see. A glorious morning tour enjoying panoramic views of the south shore (now the casuarinas have been cleared) watching dozens of long tails swoop and soar along the cliffs, also a great whale watching spot! Huge variety of recently planted native and endemic including the rare yellow wood, Zanthoxylum flavor, a lovely county scene with sheep grazing under the Southern Hackberry, Celtis laevigatatrees, and a Coast Sophora, Sophora tomentosa playing host to a horde of hungry caterpillars. Despite their ravages, the shrub always seems to bounce back! And so much more!
Passing of former BGSC member Rev. Don Moore
It is with deep regret that I write to advise on the passing of former BGSC member Rev. Don Moore which was just announced in Wednesday's Royal Gazette (1-Apr-26). Don Moore was a Royal Botanic Garden Kew trained horticulturalist who came to the Bermuda Agricultural Station in the mid 1950s and was involved in the re-afforestation of the island in the aftermath of the Bermuda Cedar Scale Epidemic. He was a contemporary of the late horticulturalist J. Hubert Jones and together their horticultural work helped re-green the island, which saved visual quality for Bermuda's Tourism industry at a time when our Agricultural sector had collapsed.
Succulent building taking shape at Botanical Gardens
Works are progressing on a building at the Botanical Gardens in Paget.
The Cacti and Succulent building was torn down after the Government called on companies to put forward bids to rebuild the structure.
In a request for proposals in March last year, the Ministry of Public Works said the timber-framed rebuild will be a new ‘like-for-like’ structure.
The the new roof of the structure will be pitched rather than flat and it will include a hutch. The roof will be covered with corrugated roof panels, the notice said.
Volunteer Saturday at the Botanical Gardens
This past Saturday, the Bermuda Botanical Gardens were buzzing with energy as a small—but dedicated and growing—team of volunteers gathered to care for the Endemic/Native Garden site and the surrounding grounds. We were especially delighted to welcome overseas visitors who joined us bright and early to help spruce up the planter outside Masterworks. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives added something special to the morning’s efforts.
Great Article for a stormy day
Something to read on this wet and windy Sunday - great articles and the opportunity to register for free Healing Power of Plants webinar.
Bermuda Palm 2024
he Bermuda Palm List 2024 is a beautifully curated visual catalogue showcasing the full range of palm species currently found across Bermuda. Designed as a quick‑reference guide, the document offers an at‑a‑glance overview of both native palms—such as the iconic Sabal bermudana—and a broad collection of introduced ornamentals that now shape the island’s gardens, hotel landscapes, and public spaces. Across four illustrated pages, the list presents over 60 palm species including well‑known favourites like Cocos nucifera, Phoenix canariensis, Bismarckia nobilis, Roystonea regia, and the ever‑popular Chrysalidocarpus and Livistonia varieties, all clearly laid out for easy identification.
A Survey of Palms Growing in Bermuda
The resource document A Survey of Palms Growing in Bermuda is one of the most detailed and passionate botanical surveys ever created about Bermuda’s palm population. Compiled by George F. Ogden—and updated across decades from 1975 to 2009—the work captures a remarkable snapshot of the island’s palm diversity, documenting approximately 64 species growing across public gardens, private estates, parks, and hidden corners of the island.