THE MEANING OF BEING “AMICI"
by Paola Profumo

The Hanbury Botanical Gardens needs a special understanding in order to be loved. It’s beauty is totally different to that of other English style gardens, with their flowerbeds and lawns; different due to the seemingly haphazard variety of Thomas Hanbury’s great vision.
When one arrives and looks down upon the garden from above, it is easy to imagine it is unique because of the presence of the sea; but unless you look carefully, walking down can also be a disappointment. Certainly the audio-guide will help you understand something of this wonderful message that speaks from all over the world about this botanical garden and hides the science in aesthetic fascination. Each visit will deepen your understanding and perception of the “voice” that that speaks through the accompanying inscription.
The “Amici” of the Hanbury Gardens have therefore a duty to understand and pass on the meaning of such a place; hence our subscription is simply a sign of our affection for this living garden as in return we receive neither privileges nor presents: it symbolises our mission to continue working together to enhance the whole.
Our cultural and scientific expertise, the new members and many other factors all contribute to this end.
It is not only the plants, projects and work force that make a garden, but also the input of the eye and the intelligence of the visitor.
Only the spontaneous gift with no expectations will express the real affection of the true friend of the Hanbury Gardens.