Officially opened on October 22, by Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson, the new vine collection in the North Garden contains 30 species of common and rare vines found in Bermuda.

Botanical Gardens Curator Sarah Vallis said: "The project was first inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Botanical Gardens and provides an attractive entrance for the main office of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

"In addition to the educational value of this collection, it provides welcome seating and shade for our neighbours, the hospital patients and staff, and also our visitors.

"I hope that the garden will be well used in the future and know that it will be a milestone representing only the beginning of many changes for the Botanical Gardens in its role as an educational resource, ex-situ conservation site of rare and endangered plants, a place of psychological renewal and an enormously popular tourist attraction.''