
Speaker Meeting Monday 9th June 2025: Nick Wray – Curator of Bristol Botanic Garden
On Monday evening, SI Bristol enjoyed a lively gathering at our monthly Supper Meeting, where we welcomed new and potential members into our group. We were also delighted to host our guest speaker, Nick Wray, curator of the renowned Bristol Botanic Garden and recipient of the prestigious RHS Associate of Honour for his distinguished contributions to horticulture. With over 30 years at the garden, Nick was instrumental in creating the new garden at The Holmes, located near the Bristol Downs. Remarkably, this was the first major redevelopment of a botanic garden in the UK in nearly 40 years. Nick, a passionate traveller, took us on a fascinating “whistle-stop tour” of the gardens and landscapes of Sicily. From the ancient city of Palermo to the white sandy beaches of Mondello, he shared insights into the island’s rich history, diverse cultural influences, and stunning architecture. Sicily—Italy’s largest island—is known for its unique blend of Norman,