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Bicentenary House presents new challenges for the Alameda Gardens

The Alameda Gardens yesterday celebrated its 200th anniversary with the unveiling of Bicentenary House, a glasshouse specially commissioned for the event, by the Governor, Chief Minister and Minister for the Environment.

The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and Environment Minister and former head of the gardens Dr John Cortes jointly unveiled a special plaque for the occasion. Moments later Governor Edward Davis cut the ribbon officially opening Bicentenary House to the applause of all present.

Director of the Botanic Gardens Dr Keith Bensusan said it had been a long road but they had made it. Also present at the opening was Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia, Opposition member Trevor Hammond, guests and those involved in the project.

Bicentenary House which has been under construction for over two years has been split in two halves with one half housing tropical plants and a water feature, and the other half housing succulent plants which thrive in dry conditions.

At the event the Chief Minister said he frequently walked through the gardens and was a place which has given him peace. He called it an “absolute gem”.

He spoke of the gardens integral part in the 2011 elections when its then Director Dr Cortes decided it was time to leave the gardens and follow a career in politics.

 

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