The master plan for the Thurston Garden renovation has been launched by President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at the Fiji Museum.

There will more trees planted, artificial ponds, endemic plants and a general face-lift to the botanical garden which is now one hundred and one years old.

“A properly formulated master plan based on thorough and broad consultation. Taking into account a broad range of options will be a fundamental requisite to the worthy objective to returning Thurston Garden to its former glory and its preeminent place in the nation’s capital’’.

Ratu Epeli hopes Thurston Garden will become part of the Botanical Garden Conservation International which has almost two thousand member countries.

The plans, drawn up by landscape architect Elsa Miller will be handed over to the Government for approval and work is expected to begin next year.

The public can view the plan at Thurston Garden and even make suggestions throughout this week.