City Honours George Ogden With Plaque
The City of Hamilton unveiled a plaque honouring the late George Ogden, with Mayor Charles Gosling praising his four decades of work shaping the city’s parks and green spaces.
A spokesperson said, “Mayor Charles Gosling, CEO Dwayne Caines, Town Crier Ed Christopher, and members of the City Council and Executive gathered at Fort Hamilton for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honouring former City Horticulturist/Parks Superintendent George Ogden who passed away earlier this year.
“For almost four decades, Mr. Ogden dedicated his career to beautifying Hamilton – shaping the parks, gardens, and green spaces that continue to define the City’s character and charm. One of his most enduring achievements was the transformation of Fort Hamilton in the 1960s. What had been an overgrown, neglected dumping site became, through his vision and care, one of the City’s most treasured parks.”
Speaking at the unveiling, Mayor Charles Gosling said, “Good Afternoon, Ogden family, Council Members, assembled guests and staff.
Mayor Gosling, Katie Farrell, Sandra Ogden, Town Crier Ed Christopher and City CEO Dwayne Caines.
“For four decades, George Ogden dedicated his life to beautifying the City of Hamilton, shaping the parks, gardens, and green spaces that define the city’s charm today. Arriving from Merseyside, England, in 1962, he became the Corporation of Hamilton’s horticulturalist, bringing expertise, passion, and an artist’s eye to the city’s landscapes.
“At the time of his arrival, Hamilton’s parks were underdeveloped, unpaved, with little formal landscaping, and no structured planting program. Flowerpots were scarce, and Mr. Ogden famously had to repurpose old paint tins just to get plants in the ground.
“Undeterred, he transformed Hamilton into a city of greenery and floral displays, establishing parks at Fort Hamilton, Barr’s Bay, and along the waterfront, while redesigning Queen Elizabeth Park and Victoria Park.
“A defining achievement was his work restoring Fort Hamilton in the 1960s. What had been a derelict space, overgrown and used as a dumping ground, became one of the city’s most treasured parks under his care. The once-forgotten moat was cleared, historic cannons were relocated, and pathways were lined with vibrant plantings, creating a space enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Mayor Gosling, Katie Farrell, Sandra Ogden, Town Crier Ed Christopher, City Parks Superintendent Steven DeSilva and City CEO Dwayne Caines.
“Beyond the parks, his contributions were seen across the city…from the flower beds at City Hall and the Ferry Terminal to the more than 1,100 trees he planted along Hamilton’s streets.
“His efforts softened the city’s landscape, making even utilitarian spaces like parking lots and commercial areas more inviting. Under his direction, the Corporation’s plant nursery at The Willows flourished, producing over 20,000 flowers annually to keep Hamilton in bloom year-round.
“His work extended beyond the city, serving on the Government’s Parks and Beaches Committee and the Bermuda Parks Commission. His expertise was sought for landscaping projects at Dockyard and other sites across the island. A passionate advocate for knowledge-sharing, he mentored young horticulturists, taught apprentices, and even held evening lectures at his home, ensuring that his wealth of knowledge was passed on.
“A recognized authority on Bermuda’s palms, he conducted a comprehensive survey of the island’s species, documenting 64 different varieties. He also edited A Gardener’s Guide for the Garden Club of Bermuda, sharing insights from his decades of experience.
Mayor Gosling, Katie Farrell, Sandra Ogden, Town Crier Ed Christopher, City Parks Superintendent Steven DeSilva and City CEO Dwayne Caines, along with members of the City Council and Executive team.
“For his extraordinary contributions, he was awarded the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour in 1992, the Bermuda Silver Palmetto Award in 2001, and the prestigious Gold Veitch Memorial Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in 2003. But despite these accolades, he remained a humble and dedicated man, happiest when working in the soil.
“Even in retirement, his passion for horticulture never waned. His legacy is not just in the trees, parks, and flowers he planted, but in the joy, beauty, and serenity he cultivated in the heart of Hamilton. Today, as we walk through the green spaces he so lovingly designed, we remember and honor George Ogden…the man who made Hamilton bloom.
“And so it gives me great pleasure to unveil this plaque in his honour,” the Mayor said.
