Contents. Friends of the Thurston Gardens. History of the Gardens. Aim of the Master Plan. Mission Statement. Garden Statements.

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2 Contents Friends of the Thurston Gardens History of the Gardens Aim of the Master Plan Mission Statement Garden Statements The Collections

3 Friends of the Thurston Gardens H.E. the President of Fiji launched the initiative to improve the Suva Thurston Gardens, by the Friends of the Thurston Gardens in February this year. Members of the Friends of the Thurston Gardens include the Office of the President, Department of National Heritage and Arts, Suva City Council, National Trust of Fiji, Fiji Museum, University fo the South Pacific, Conservation International, Nature Fiji/Mareqeti Viti, Elsa Miller, Suzanne Misaele, Bruce Sowter, FAO/Global Environment Facility Forest Conservation and Protected Area Management in Fiji Project. The proposed improvements will elevate the gardens to meet international standards and to become an added attraction to the city of Suva.

4 Aerial view of Thurston Gardens,

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6 History of the Gardens Suva Botanical Garden was established in 1913 and was renamed Thurston Gardens in the 1970 s. Thurston Gardens has been around for over 100 years and lies on the site of the original fortified Suva village founded in Generations of families in Fiji have loved and used this garden. Lets make it even better than it has ever been!

7 Thurston Gardens The new Thurston Gardens links the people of Fiji with their natural and cultural heritage.

8 Aim of the Master Plan To cultivate endemic Fijian Plants and "other culturally and ecologically important native and introduced plants of" conservation, economic and cultural value To provide educational opportunities for school children and the public in botany and the environment. To clearly label each plant species to educate the public on their uses, potential and distribution. To keep appropriate records of planting in each section to ensure the scientific value of the collection. Each garden type will be a documented collection of plants found in Fiji. To create areas of passive recreation and enjoyment for visitors. To promote Thurston Garden as a unique and major tourist attraction in Suva.

9 The Master Plan (draft)

10 Mission Statement To conserve, discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life. Marika Tuiwawa, Curator, South Pacific Regional Herbarium, USP The new Thurston Gardens will link the people of Fiji with their natural and cultural heritage. Beautiful gardens and natural environments are fundamentally important to the mental and physical well being of all people. The future of life on Earth depends on how we understand, value and protect plants, other wildlife, and the natural habitats that sustain the world. Thurston Gardens will be where the increasingly urbanised school children of Fiji can learn about Fijian botany and the environment they will inherit for future generations.

11 Botanic Gardens; a place of» Learning» Culture» Beauty» Enjoyment

12 Nature supports and sustains all life, and yet many of Fiji s people, particularly those who live in our ever-expanding urban areas, tend to overlook this fact. A Botanic Garden which is representative of Fiji s rich plant biodiversity will help to educate our young citizens and at the same time remind our adults of this reality while also serving as a peaceful green haven, both for residents of Suva as well as for visitors to the capital to enjoy, appreciate and relax within. That Thurston Gardens has so much history will also serve to add value and interest. National Trust of Fiji Robin Yarrow

13 Peace and relaxation

14 Thurston Gardens has been an inspiration and a refuge of serenity for the citizens of Suva for over a century, but it has fallen on hard times. In an age when our youth are becoming rapidly more disengaged from the natural environment, when we sense the imminent collapse of entire ecosystems and our list of threatened plant species here in Fiji mounts at an increasing rate, the presence of a revitalized Thurston Gardens is more important than ever. Dick Watling Ph.D.

15 THE COLLECTIONS

16 Floating Garden Collection A pond in the lowest part of the garden filled with many different water lilies and water plants. Picnic tables and seating.

17 The Bamboo Collection A display of the different types of clumping bamboos grown in Fiji. We would also like to include clumping bamboo species that are suitable for construction purposes.

18 Fijian Endemic Palm Collection A collection of naturally occurring palms in Fiji. Many of these are critically endangered.

19 A Collection of Food Gardens Beds showing the variety of foods that can be grown in Fiji; Fijian, Indian, Chinese and European vegetables and root crops.

20 Collection of Medicinal Plants & Endemic Fruit Trees Endemic plants are still being used today as medicine. Endemic fruit trees are rarely seen outside the village and are also used for medicinal purposes. It is important not to loose this knowledge.

21 Collection of Hanging Flowering Vines Around 20 different exquisite tropical flowering hanging vines covering an arched pergola. An attractive shaded walk to view the food gardens from.

22 Collection of Fijian Forest Trees and Endangered Species Endangered trees are to be planted here to provide a seed source for other future plantings. There are nearly 200 species of trees, palms and shrubs that are critically endangered. This means there are less than 1,000 in the wild, or they occur in three or fewer locations. It is up to us to look after these species for future generations.

23 Collection of Perfumed Plants Featuring Fiji s endemic scented plants. These are usually white flowering.

24 Collection of Hibiscus and Frangipani Hibiscus are native to Fiji. This is a shrub garden of many beautiful flowers. Many varieties of frangipani are to be planted in the hibiscus shrub bed to flower above them.

25 Collection of Gingers & Heliconias Fiji has many endemic gingers (including the tallest ginger plant in the world) and flowering heliconias. These would be adjacent to introduced gingers and heliconias for public enjoyment.

26 Collection of Prehistoric Plants This garden has the oldest of Fijian plants that were here before the Fijian people arrived. Prehistoric animals and birds would also be exhibited here in sculptural form.

27 Collection of Rainforest Plants This is a shady rainforest walk with much to admire and learn from Fiji s rainforest.

28 South Pacific Orchid Collection An Orchid exhibition from Fiji and the South Pacific Island Countries. This would probably be the most popular exhibit in the Botanical Gardens.

29 Wall Garden Tropical plants can grow up slopes and blanket them in a variety of shapes and tones. Small ferns and colourful bromeliads can be planted here.

30 New Gates Unique Fijian made gates with plant motifs to give a sense of arrival and security.

31 Garden Roads 4m wide all weather pathways to allow ; The comfortable passing of people using the garden. Accessibility for people using wheelchairs, zimmer frames and strollers. Maintenance vehicle access.

32 Artistic custom-made furniture Garden Furniture

33 Café A place to get together and enjoy the gardens.

34 School Children An education centre for school children to study botany and the environment. An outdoor amphitheatre for open air lectures and performances. Interactive learning. The Gardens will be where the increasingly urbanized school children of Fiji learn about Fijian botany and the environment they will inherit for future generations.

35 Thurston Garden can be a world class 5 star botanical garden. The garden needs; Improved drainage Good design and working drawings Carefully chosen and documented plant stock Qualified botanical and horticultural skills Thurston Gardens, Suva Botanical Gardens, a garden of national, regional and world importance.

36 Vinaka vakalevu From the Friends of Thurston Gardens Working Group