Botanic Gardens St. Vincent
Saint George
The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Botanic Gardens, founded in 1765, is the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most visited landmarks in Saint Vincent. Spanning approximately 8 hectares, it was originally created to introduce and cultivate plants beneficial for nutrition, medicine, and commerce in the British West Indies. The garden played a key role in the colonial botanical exchange program, importing valuable species from Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Despite limited British government funding, it expanded significantly through private support and botanical networks involving French colonies. Today, the gardens not only preserve a wide variety of tropical flora but also serve as an important conservation site for the rare St Vincent parrot (Amazona guildingii). Located about one mile from Kingstown along the Leeward Highway, the gardens offer visitors a peaceful natural setting with rich historical significance and diverse plant collections.
Plan your trip to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visit the gardens between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm daily for the best experience. Guided tours are available for a fee and provide deeper insight into the garden's plant species and history. To help preserve the site, alcohol, smoking, and glass bottles are prohibited. Purchasing tickets in advance or as part of a tour package is recommended, and discounted rates are available for nationals and children under 12.
Interesting facts
- •It is the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1765.
- •The garden expanded from 52 plant species in 1773 to 1,311 by 1806.
- •Approximately 47% of the plants originated from Palaeotropical regions such as South-East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa.
- •It serves as a conservation site for the rare St Vincent parrot (Amazona guildingii).
- •The garden was privately funded by General Robert Melville during its early years, unlike many other colonial botanical projects.
History
The gardens were established in 1765 under the direction of General Robert Melville and Dr.
George Young to facilitate botanical discoveries and cultivate plants useful for food, medicine, and commerce in the British West Indies.
Initially privately funded, the garden expanded rapidly, increasing its plant species from 52 in 1773 to over 1,300 by 1806.
It was part of a broader 18th-century colonial effort to exchange plants between the East Indies, Europe, and the Americas.
French botanists from nearby colonies also contributed to its growth.
Over the centuries, the garden has maintained its importance as a center for botanical research and conservation in the Caribbean.
Place Guide
Main Entrance and Visitor Centre
The gateway to the gardens located along the Leeward Highway, providing visitor information and access to the grounds.
Tropical Plant Collections
Extensive collections of native and exotic tropical plants from across the world, including species from North America, South America, Africa, and Asia.
St Vincent Parrot Conservation Area
A dedicated area within the gardens focused on the preservation of the endemic and endangered St Vincent parrot (Amazona guildingii).
Contact
Phone: (784) 493-5824
