The Botanical Gardens could get a funding boost after the Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a charity that supports the facility.

At a press conference today, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said the agreement with the Bermuda Botanical Society “modernised” the gardens’ funding model.

He said it allowed the Government to access a wider range of funding sources — including grants, donations, earned income and contributions from corporate sponsors, community groups and the general public — that the society obtained, which could then be disbursed by the ministry for specific improvement projects at the Paget attraction.

Flanked at the press conference by Jennifer Flood, the president of the Bermuda Botanical Society, and Danny Simmons, a government landscape architect, Colonel Burch said: “The Bermuda Botanical Gardens is a treasured space in our community — a place of beauty and tranquillity that holds great appeal for both residents and visitors.

“It not only enhances our island's natural landscape but also serves as a vital resource for education, conservation and research.

“These new funding avenues will greatly assist with training, management, restoration, conservation, research and educational initiatives within the gardens.

“They will help us maintain and enhance this important public space for the enjoyment and benefit of all.”

Colonel Burch praised the Bermuda Botanical Society for its “significant contributions” since it was formed almost 40 years ago.

He said: “By collaborating with the Bermuda Botanical Society, we are investing in the future of the Botanical Gardens.

“Our goal is to ensure that it continues to thrive and remain a cherished space for generations to come.

“I encourage members of the public, corporate sponsors and community organisations to support the gardens.

“Your contributions will make a meaningful difference in preserving and enhancing this valuable resource.

“The Government of Bermuda is delighted to be formally partnering with the Bermuda Botanical Society to enhance this national treasure.

“This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the partnership and I look forward to new developments going forward.”

Ms Flood welcomed the agreement, which she said “will enable the BBS to receive funds from donations and grants specifically for approved projects within the Botanical Gardens”.

She added: "As an isolated island, Bermuda has a unique ecology with rare, unique and endangered plant species.

“The Olivewood behind us is an excellent example of an endemic species, not known to be in any other botanical garden.

“The BBG is also home to several documented collections, some of which hold plants endangered in their native ranges, such as the palm and cycad collections.

"The BBS envisions a thriving Botanical Gardens, with global connections, which, among other attributes, will house collections of world importance for scientific research and offer educational experiences for Bermudians and tourists alike.

“The MOU will help make that vision a reality."

Anyone interested in learning more can e-mail the Department of Parks at parksdept@gov.bm or visit the Bermuda Botanical Society website at bermudabotanicalsociety.org.