The Gardens - A Collaboration of Ideas

The Botanical Gardens of Nevis began with the vision of Joseph and Martha Murphy, who created a landscaped retreat combining tropical plants, art, and architecture. Set on land associated with the historic Montpelier Estate, the Gardens opened to the public in 1998, offering visitors a distinctive place to explore and enjoy the beauty of the tropical plant world.

Terraces, water features, and carefully arranged plantings give the Gardens their character, while the Garden House provides an architectural centerpiece. The setting also connects the Gardens to the island’s wider history: nearby Montpelier was the location of Horatio Nelson’s marriage to Frances “Fanny” Nisbet on March 11, 1787.

A new chapter began in December 2008, when Nik and Christi Douglas, together with their associates, acquired the property, protecting it from potential housing development. Their investment supported the restoration of the Rainforest Conservatory, refurbishment of buildings and watercourses, and continued care of the living plant collections—preserving the Gardens as a place to be shared with visitors and fellow nature lovers.

Today, orchid terraces, palms, fruit trees, bromeliads, ferns, cacti, and luxuriant vines create a rich sequence of garden experiences. Water lily ponds, fountains, and sculpture bring further texture and interest to the landscape. Together, these elements reflect a collaboration of horticulture, artistry, and stewardship—a garden shaped by successive visions and sustained through continuing care.