No trip to Georgetown would be complete without visiting two of Guyana’s most beautiful gardens: the Botanical and Promenade Gardens.
The Botanical Gardens was established in 1878 and is one of the treasures of the city, and indeed the country. The Gardens is laid out on one hundred and eighty five (185) acres of land on Plantation Vlissengen (an abandoned sugar estate).
As you stroll through the Gardens, you not only have an opportunity of viewing the exceptional plant collection, but also spectacular butterflies, intriguing birds and even the endangered West Indian Manatee.
Within the Gardens there is a vast array of tropical flowers, fruits, and plants; some of which are of cultural significance. It was believed that at one time more than 100 species and 50 genera of palm trees from around the world were cultivated in the Gardens. Today although palm trees still dominate the grounds, they are not to such an extent.
Other tropical trees that can be found within the Gardens include the Monkey Pot Species, the Saman, the Jacaranda and the night blooming Water Chestnut (Pachira aquatic). At the Botanical Gardens, every plant and tree has a story of its own. So come and discover our beautiful Botanical Gardens.
The Promenade Garden, with its main entrance on Middle Street, occupies one city block. In August 1851, the Town Council made a decision to create a public promenade for the relaxation of the public. Housed in the compound of the gardens are several monuments such as the bandstand, the oldest in the city and the statue of Mahatma Ghandi. A range of flora complements the surreal surroundings.
Along with several fountains and an arched walkway, a recent construction in the Gardens, is the Arya Samaj Monument erected in 2011.
It has been suggested that the Promenade Gardens at one time boasted the largest range of wild orchids in the Caribbean before it fell into disrepair during the 80s and 90s.
The site was rehabilitated in 2006 and the Bandstand refurbished by Republic Bank in 2009.
In its earlier years the Promenade Gardens was used for several civic functions, including entertainment from music bands; today, after refurbishment, it remains the site of many public and private events, including the popular annual Inner Wheel Club’s Easter Hat Show, weddings, and fashion photo shoots to name a few.
