A garden in revival at the SSR Botanic Garden of Pamplemousses
A "revival" takes time, patience, and a good dose of perseverance. And that’s exactly what the SSR Botanic Garden in Pamplemousses is experiencing today, thanks to the dedication of Dr Jean-Claude Autrey, botanist and former Director of the MSIRI, with support from our colleagues at Eclosia Solidarité and other private sector contributors. Little by little, this emblematic site is regaining its beauty - and its purpose.
Signs of change are visible from the very entrance. The signage has been completely redesigned to offer a clearer, more informative experience. Different plaques identify exotic, religious, and so-called “magical” plants, while QR codes link to detailed information. The experience is now immersive and intuitive.
A little further on, the renovated benches invite you to sit and take it all in. Some are even equipped with solar panels to charge your phone - a touch of modernity in a historical setting.
The restored sugar mill model is a nod to the early days of the local sugar industry. Nearby, a medicinal garden has been carefully mapped out, showcasing 150 plant species and their traditional uses.
Château Mon Plaisir breathes again, now free from the pigeons that once invaded it, thanks to a nearly invisible protective net. Inside the greenhouse, 113 orchid species and 34 types of ferns - all tagged and numbered - attract curious minds and nature lovers alike.
Art finds its place too. "Florescence," a mosaic sphere by British artist Sue Smith made of 54,000 pieces, celebrates the harmony between nature and creation.
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam memorial fountain flows once again, after a full plumbing rebuild and filter replacement. And in the pond, the giant water lilies and lotus flowers are thriving again, following a targeted treatment that saved them from a destructive fungus.
Lastly, the obelisk dedicated to great botanists has been restored. The names engraved since 1861 are once again visible. But there’s a condition: to be listed, one must have passed away — and left a lasting mark.
This garden is no longer just beautiful. It speaks again.