About Us

On March 3, 2023, The Garden of The Groves celebrated 50 years of existence on Grand Bahama Island. As the caretakers of the Garden, we are here to help you learn and appreciate its cultural and environmental significance.

Quick Facts

Dedicated on March 3, 1973 to Wallace & Georgette Groves, the founders of the city of Freeport
Sits on 12 acres of botanical property featuring the fauna and flora of The Bahamas
More than 10,000 species of plant life
Certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the U.S. Wildlife Federation

Dedicated in Honor of Wallace & Georgette Groves

In 1946, Mr. Wallace Groves, born in Norfolk Virginia, had his first encounter with Grand Bahama while sailing through the islands. He saw economic opportunity in the island’s native pine forest, obtained logging rights, and proposed to the colonial government to create the city of Freeport.

In 1955, Mr. Groves formed the Grand Bahama Port Authority and put in place an infrastructure consisting of a deep water port, power and water plants, roads, and an airport. He also assisted with the construction of schools and churches.

Photo of Wallace and Georgette Groves Garden of the Groves Grand Bahama

Wallace & Georgette Groves

On July 10th, 1973, The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays gained its independence from Great Britain. This was also the year when, on Grand Bahama island, a 12-acre tropical garden was dedicated to Mr. & Mrs. Wallace Groves.

The Garden of the Groves was created as a tribute to Mr. Groves in recognition of his vision and accomplishments on this island.

Photo of grand opening of the Garden of The Groves on March 3, 1973

Grand opening March 3rd, 1973

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Erika Gates (1942-2021)

Photo of Erika Gates at grand reopening of the Garden of the Groves Grand Bahama

The Garden of the Groves is a major attraction for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the tranquility of nature, historic chapel, a spiritual labyrinth, authentic Bahamian shops, and a garden restaurant.

The present state of the Garden is widely attributed to the tireless commitment and passionate resolve of Erika Gates to restore and preserve the Garden.

Erika was a tennis star, world traveler, adventure seeker, serial entrepreneur, and avid bird enthusiast. But most of all, she was an environmental hero. She loved nature and encouraged all she met to respect our environment.

Restoration of The Gardens

In 2004 and 2005, the Garden was decimated by concurrent, catastrophic hurricanes that hit the island of Grand Bahama back to back: Frances, Jeanne and Wilma.

In the summer of 2007, Erika, her husband Ed, and Michelle Hanson set out to create a nature park and recreational facility on the island. As the team sought to lease land from the Grand Bahama Development Company, they were presented with the idea to restore the Garden instead.

Since officially reopening in 2008, there have been several other natural disasters that affected the property. However, the keepers of the Garden have overcome every setback.

Today, because of their efforts, we get to enjoy the Garden as we know it now, a national treasure where lives are enriched, wildlife is protected, and history is preserved.

Bahamas Destinations - Garden of The Groves

Published on June 18, 2008 by Robbin Whachell (The Bahamas Weekly)

As We Knew Erika

“Another person I thought who would just be here forever has now departed. I’m deeply saddened to hear that Grand Bahama lost such a treasure today — Erika Gates, founder of Grand Bahama Nature Tours, left such a legacy. From her very busy and successful eco-tourism company to her birding groups and her indelible contribution in keeping the Garden of the Groves alive after the hurricane of 2004.”
Robbin Whachell (Facebook Post)
“Thank you for encouraging and empowering young Bahamians like me, Denise and the crew to reach higher heights. Thank you for teaching us how we should coexist with and respect nature. We know that your legacy will definitely live on.”
Javan Hunt (Student - Save The Bays)
“Erika was fearless, innovative, tenacious, and the word ‘can’t’ was not in her vocabulary. She was part of the fabric of Freeport and worked tirelessly to promote her beautiful Grand Bahama.”
Dr. Lisa Sorenson (Executive Direction - Birds Caribbean)
“When I was editor of The Freeport News (2003-2009), Ms. Gates’ extraordinary and unrelenting dedication to the preservation to the Garden of the Groves was the subject of many articles in The Freeport News.”
Oswald T. Brown (Former Editor - The Freeport News)
“Erika is a legend in the nature tourism industry in The Bahamas. She was a pioneering trailblazer in nature tourism, and greatly influenced and impacted many individuals and companies in that arena.”
Eric Carey (Executive Director - BNT)