some advice on how to make your garden grow.

When Bermuda was first settled in 1609, its 179 islands were filled with cedar trees, lush foliage, wild flowers and wild pigs.

Today the cedar trees -- while slowly coming back -- are thin on the ground and the wild pigs have long been eaten. The foliage and wild flowers remain.

So what about Bermuda's flora today? Mr. Malcolm Griffiths, landscape manager of the West End Development Corporation, is an authority on Bermuda's flora.

A horticulturalist, he received his training at the Royal Horticultural Society in England at Wisley Gardens and came out to Bermuda in 1969. He managed Brighton Hill Nursery for 19 years.

Mr. Griffiths considers his forte m to be creative floral design; he has designed many gardens in Tucker's Town.

Currently Mr. Griffiths creates landscaping for the Dockyard area. He plans the formal garden flowers and roadside plantings.

"Cedar trees and Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis) have recently been planted at Lagoon Park,'' he explains. "Bermuda has a rich flora history and we have here plants from all over the world. Many exotic plants are different because they come from other countries,'' he expounded.

"Around Dockyard and the South Shore, one sees a lot of 'Spanish Bayonet' which causes pain if you should prick yourself,'' he added.

According to the field guide, `Bermuda's Botanical Wonderland' by Christine Phillips-Watlington, there are various types of flora in Bermuda, including: Seventeen endemic species, meaning a native plant or animal that has been isolated for such a long period of time that is has evolved into its own species. A few include: Bermudiana, Wild Bermuda Pepper, Bermuda Cave Fern and Bermuda Snowberry.

150 native species , meaning any plant of animal species that occurs naturally in any area without the aid of man (i.e. indigenous).

Bermuda has a wealth of flora Over 400 naturalised species in Bermuda, meaning plants that man has introduced and which then have become established on their own without man's aid (self-seeding) as if they were native.

900 cultivated species, meaning introduced from their natural habitat, maintained and cultivated in an artificial environment, and is unable to reproduce itself by seed without man's aid.

About 1,000 exotic species, meaning introduced from foreign countries.

About 1,000 introduced , meaning plants that have been brought to Bermuda by man, unable to come across the ocean or arrive on a bird's wing or by any other means.

Mr. Griffiths gave a few garden pointers.

"Remember, what you create you must maintain.

"The weather is a major factor with wind and salt during winter.

"Some of the more fragrant flowers are Jasmine and Lady of the night.

"Make sure plants are healthy at purchase and not root bound and look for good branch structure.

"Do correct pruning at the correct time so as not to remove potential flower production.

There are so many plants, flowers, wild herbs, vines, bulbs, bulbous plants, shrubs, trees, and fruits which grow in Bermuda.

Mr. Griffiths remarked that "the flora and fauna we see every day absolutely fascinates tourists interested in botany or gardening because they see flowers here they have never seen before.'' Author Ms Phillips-Watlington suggests that if you are ever walking along the rocks in Somerset, near Long Bay Beach at night, observe "Night Blooming Cereus''.

"It is a native of Mexico and has three-winged, fleshy foliage with spines, and large white flowers that open at night.'' Mr. Griffiths suggested: "prior to planting it is wise to contact a professional. There are also several books about flowers and planting in Bermuda which are also helpful.'' FACT FILE There are more than 3,400 species of plants in Bermuda.

Just 17 -- including the Bermuda Cedar tree and the Bermudiana flower -- are endemic.

Guidelines for growing plants in Bermuda: Be prepared to maintain what you create (i.e. don't be over-ambitious).

Be aware of the weather around your garden, especially wind and salt in winter.

Be sure that plants are healthy when you buy them with good roots and branch structure.

Pruning must be done at the right time and in the right way.

If you're not sure, consult a professional.