Andromeda - Rare, Historic 1950s Barbadian Garden
Donation protected
Andromeda Botanic Gardens is a rare garden, created by Iris Bannochie, a Barbadian, female, self-taught scientist in the 1950s as a private botanical garden for herself and her family. It is the most plant diverse area of Barbados and is home to so much wildlife as well as over 500 species of plants. Iris was a multiple award-winning visionary. She planted trees, knowing she would not see them at maturity, and Andromeda has over 100 species. The landscape she created is comprised of a series of different gardens and the variety of plants is outstanding. The journey through the landscape is ever-changing. It is a masterpiece.
Andromeda is a rare and unique garden, but has been underrated and underfunded for years. There are few botanical gardens that have been created by individuals, let alone a female, self-taught Barbadian scientist. As an incredible and outstanding human achievement, Andromeda is worthy of protection. Despite much recent exposure to audiences particularly in the UK (BBC Gardeners World, the only RHS Partner Garden in the West Indies, topic of KMIS Lecture Series at Kew Gardens), Andromeda is in trouble. Andromeda has always struggled and has always been low on resources. Nevertheless, it has been well cared for and developed. Now it is in desperate need. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a complete disaster for many heritage properties and Andromeda is no exception. No paying visitors = no income. We really hope to maintain and protect this historic heritage site for the people of Barbados and for the world.
At the moment entrance is free for locals who are enjoying the opportunity to reconnect to their historic garden, enjoy, recuperate and re-energize during this pandemic. This organic garden creates a space for reflection and we believe it is helping the mental and physical health of those who visit. The generosity of locals has managed to keep the garden maintained for the past three months. Generous donations from people living in Canada, the United States and the UK have been gratefully received - enough to bring us all to emotionally-charged tears. But Andromeda is now at a critical stage.
Recently, a supporter of Andromeda suggested GoFundMe as a potential source, so here I am - asking the world to help maintain a globally important garden, created by one of the world's greatest gardeners. The money raised will help maintain this historic space; ensure our gardeners and support staff keep their jobs; and keep Andromeda open for all. Andromeda must not become one of the world's 'lost gardens'. Please help.
Andromeda is a rare and unique garden, but has been underrated and underfunded for years. There are few botanical gardens that have been created by individuals, let alone a female, self-taught Barbadian scientist. As an incredible and outstanding human achievement, Andromeda is worthy of protection. Despite much recent exposure to audiences particularly in the UK (BBC Gardeners World, the only RHS Partner Garden in the West Indies, topic of KMIS Lecture Series at Kew Gardens), Andromeda is in trouble. Andromeda has always struggled and has always been low on resources. Nevertheless, it has been well cared for and developed. Now it is in desperate need. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a complete disaster for many heritage properties and Andromeda is no exception. No paying visitors = no income. We really hope to maintain and protect this historic heritage site for the people of Barbados and for the world.
At the moment entrance is free for locals who are enjoying the opportunity to reconnect to their historic garden, enjoy, recuperate and re-energize during this pandemic. This organic garden creates a space for reflection and we believe it is helping the mental and physical health of those who visit. The generosity of locals has managed to keep the garden maintained for the past three months. Generous donations from people living in Canada, the United States and the UK have been gratefully received - enough to bring us all to emotionally-charged tears. But Andromeda is now at a critical stage.
Recently, a supporter of Andromeda suggested GoFundMe as a potential source, so here I am - asking the world to help maintain a globally important garden, created by one of the world's greatest gardeners. The money raised will help maintain this historic space; ensure our gardeners and support staff keep their jobs; and keep Andromeda open for all. Andromeda must not become one of the world's 'lost gardens'. Please help.
Organizer
Sharon Cooke
Organizer
