First introduced to Bermuda in the late 18th century by the British military garrison in St George’s, their job was to shade a building’s façade from the sunlight, and serve as a semi-private space for receiving visitors.

With modern technology and building materials, however, verandas have effectively become an additional room, adding valuable square footage as living, dining, cooking, relaxing and entertaining areas in their own right.

At the forefront of this modern design are Jacob Hocking and Lauren Grayston, owner and partner respectively of CTX Design Group, along with their team of architectural technicians and interior designers. They sat down with RG Home to explain how versatile verandas can be, what is possible with today’s technology and materials, and shared design tips for making the most of these shaded outdoor areas.

Exterior design

When designing a veranda from scratch, the priority, said Mr Hocking, is orientation.

“It has to be something that people want to occupy, and it has to perform the function it’s designed to perform, like provide proper shelter from the elements,” he said.

To ensure good ventilation, they should be designed “so at least two sides are open so that you can get cross breezes through them”.

He said: “Shade is one thing, but hot air and getting it to pass out of that space is important as well.”

It also needs to suit the house, so proportion is vital, but it also has to be sized for its intended use.

“If it’s a dining veranda, then it has to suit the dining table. If it’s a conversational setup, then it needs to fit the seating arrangement or furnishings that you want to have, and it needs to, at a minimum, meet those requirements.”

With so many verandas now providing a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience, they no longer have to sit at the entryway. Instead, they should be connected to the natural life of the home.

“Most will link to living rooms or kitchens. Those are the rooms that tend to benefit most from the connection to daily life,” he said, adding that “proximity to a garden or a swimming pool, some other feature of the property,” is also a benefit.

“Increasingly, people want a more relaxed, informal, nature-connected home and the veranda is the interface between the shelter of a home and the openness of nature.”

Fixtures, fittings, interior design

The most successful design feature for seamless indoor-outdoor and connected living incorporates wide openings with large sliding or accordion glass doors and flush sills, meaning the inside and outside are all on one level.

This can be taken a step further by using the same floor tile throughout, but with a non-slip finish for the exterior tiles, along with glass railings in place of traditional wooden ones. Ms Grayston said this “makes it feel even bigger, more connected”.

Another feature that has turned the veranda into a year-round useable space are hurricane screens, particularly electric ones, which roll up and down at the touch of a button. In addition to storm protection, said Mr Hocking, they offer “privacy, shade and security”.

Budget permitting, there is then no end to the “bells and whistles” you can add to make the veranda your favourite ‘room’ in the house.

“Kitchens, weather resistant cabinetry, Sunbrella fabrics,” Ms Grayston said. “Outdoor appliances,” added Mr Hocking.

One veranda they designed for a water front home in Riddell’s Bay had several different outdoor living and entertaining areas, including a sunken BBQ kitchen and a swim-up bar. They integrated planting to soften the hard surfaces and create separation between the different spaces without disconnecting them.

“They use it all the time,” Ms Grayston said.

Budget

If budget is a concern, note that simplicity saves money.

“The roof is the driving cost, so anything you can do to simplify the structure of the roof,” Mr Hocking suggested.

“Like, working with standard lumber lengths. If you go to Gorhams and buy a 12-foot rafter, that will probably do a 10-foot deep porch. Don’t buy a 14-foot rafter, because you’ll just cut three feet off of it and throw it in the trash. Be efficient with your material selection and the sizes based on the materials available.”

You can also find ways to maximise space. For a home on Oswego Island, Mr Hocking came up with a creative design featuring an interior dining room with two porch areas either side; the dining room has floor to ceiling glass doors on three sides so it can be opened up to create one long veranda.

“We were able to make a smaller porch feel larger by allowing an interior room to contribute to some of its square footage,” he said.

They also recommended investing in durable materials to keep maintenance costs down. For example, wooden columns can decay at the base, but you can create moisture gaps by setting them up on masonry plinths or stainless steel brackets.

Dream verandas

If money were no object, Ms Grayston’s ideal veranda would have large, open, wooden doors overlooking the water with conversational seating, a dining area and kitchen all connected to a pool, along with a fireplace or fire pit for ambiance. She would also love a wood panelled ceiling to warm her space up.

Mr Hocking’s ideal veranda would be “restrained but refined”, with natural materials such as limestone, hardwood and patinaed metals, as well as deep overhangs and openings that frame landscape views.

He would also love “multiple zones”, including a quiet area with a suspended daybed or hammock and lighting that is warm and subtle.

“Not just stick lights into the ceiling, use either uplights or bounce lights off of surfaces so that they’re not direct. It just gives a glow,” he said.

The post Vibrant verandas appeared first on RG Magazines.

Our controlled indoor environments, though, mean that houseplants can continue to thrive.

Julie Greaves, general manager at Aberfeldy Nurseries, said the popularity of houseplants surged during Covid, largely because they filter indoor air pollutants and release oxygen.

“Houseplants have always been a staple in the home, however, during Covid they reached new heights mainly due to the health benefits they bring to a home.

“Everybody had a houseplant on Zoom on their back shoulder, and they started naming their houseplants. They really, really took off because people were spending a lot more time indoors.”

However, she cautioned: “You need at least one plant per 300 square feet to start to clean the air.”

Ms Greaves said specimen plants with large leaves such as the ficus lyrata are trending.

“Peace lily, which produces a white spath shaped flower, and spider plants are also popular. Anything with a decorative or colourful leaf is in demand.”

She provided some tips for the care of houseplants.

“Treat your plant like a human being, which needs nutrients to thrive. Each plant has specific watering requirements, however, a general rule of thumb is, allow your plant to dry out slightly between each watering. To ensure a healthy root system, never allow the potted plant to stand in water.”

Aberfeldy operates a retail garden centre on a sprawling three-acre site on Pomander Road in Paget – and a production facility on the island having greenhouse and growing space of approximately 25,000-square-feet that grows hundreds of thousands of plants a year. All products sold at the Paget site are grown in Bermuda.

Watering and maintaining

Outdoors, as June draws to a close, annual bedding plants for the summer season that runs until September have now been in soil for a month or more. Summer bedding includes portulaca, vinca, marigolds, gazanias and cosmos.

Ms Greaves said: “In June, July and August it’s all about watering. Most people have planted the flowering plants for the summer by then, and it’s just about maintaining them. There’s not a lot of planting done in the summer because there is a lot of heat stress.”

At Aberfeldy’s retail garden centre, the company “makes water” with the help of a well, rainwater collection, and a reverse osmosis machine, to maintain the thousands of varieties that it has on sale.

Ms Greaves said: “It’s best to try and water first thing in the morning. Sometimes, the guys are watering for eight hours a day.”

Assistant manager Trent Smith, who has spent more than 40 years at Aberfeldy “teaching and growing”, said summer is the time to spread mulch, a material that covers the surface of the soil and provides a host of benefits.

He said: “Mulching is very important at this time of year. You probably want to use natural mulch, your red mulch, which is painted red. And then nuggets, which help to seal your moisture down, so that when it’s hot, at least your water evaporation is good. Mulch holds your weeds down, too.”

Reap what you sow

Mr Smith said people who grow their own food will have planted a variety of crops in May, including tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, eggplant and peppers.

“It takes a process – there are timelines. Tomato from a seed, you’ve got three months, four months. I like watermelons and cantaloupes. They’re almost 90-day crops. You plant them in May, and you’re looking to eat them anywhere in August.”

Home gardeners will soon be thinking ahead to the fall-to-spring planting season that runs from October.

Ms Greaves said: “People will start to look toward the fall around the end of August. We still have high nighttime temperatures through August and the beginning of September, but people want to make this quick jump.

“They have been on vacation, the kids are back at school, and they want to get back to their routines and want to start looking at doing their fall gardening. In September, you can start to get your garden ready, and prepare your soil, for your plants and vegetables.”

In the autumn, vegetables suitable for planting include carrots, beets, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, potatoes, spinach and lettuce.

Mr Smith said: “People eat lettuce in the summer, but lettuce isn’t grown in the summer. Lettuce thrives in the winter.”

Ms Greaves said: “Just be aware that whether you plant your Bermuda onions at the end of October, November or January, they’ll mature at the same time.”

Mr Smith added: “Plants have their own biological clock. No matter if you try to manipulate how much you can, they let you know sometimes ‘I’m not ready yet’.”

Herbs are popular on the Aberfeldy campus, as home gardeners seek to add flavour to their home cooking. Popular easy-to-grow herbs include rosemary, thyme, basil, cilantro, curly parsley, marjoram and chives.

Ms Greaves said: “We do a lot of fresh herbs. If they’re already established now, they’ll take you through the summer, but trying to actually plant them in the heat of the summer is quite difficult. It does get too hot for your fresh herbs, but we sell them in pots and they are very, very popular.”

While the summer heat presents challenges, hurricanes create a different set of problems, both for home gardeners and the professionals at Aberfeldy.

Mr Smith said: “The wind and the salt can cause damage, especially if the hurricanes are coming out of the south. They pick up a lot of salt spray, and you’ve got to get the plants out and wash them off.”

When a hurricane is nearing the island, Ms Greaves says, “it takes us a week to pack everything away. And basically, a week or ten days to put everything back.”

Whether you’re a certified green thumb or a gardening beginner, Mr Smith said cultivating plants and vegetables is a stress reliever after a hard day or week at work.

However, he advised: “Patience is the main thing; patience is a virtue.”

The post Thriving out of the heat appeared first on RG Magazines.

But while we are cooling our bedrooms, we are also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and sending our electricity consumption soaring.

AirCare Ltd general manager Brendan Stone said there is hope for a greener future, as advances in technology lead to more efficient models.

That’s right, we can reduce our environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort – while also easing monthly utility bills.

“Historically, there have been two major issues with the refrigerants used in air-conditioning units: their global warming potential and their ozone depletion potential,” Mr Stone said.

“Thankfully, the industry no longer uses refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer, but it’s important to understand that the GWP of older air-conditioning models is still quite high.”

Mr Stone said the industry is being driven to improve its technology because governments mandate yearly reductions in the number of harmful emissions associated with refrigerants.

“Whereas older units once had GWP ratings of around 2,000, newer residential and commercial systems can have ratings as low as 466,” he explained.

The hidden cost of holding on

We’re increasingly aware of the harmful effects of older refrigerants, but many of us postpone replacing our air conditioners because of the costs involved.

“Longevity is a double-edged sword,” Mr Stone said.

“Older units will continue to exist until the gas supply needed to operate them is depleted, but they consume more electricity and don’t operate efficiently. In fact, Government energy guidance indicates that HVAC systems typically account for 40 to 50 per cent of household electricity use.”

He explained that all air conditioners work by drawing air across cooling fins to remove heat from a room.

“If an older window unit has rusted out and developed holes in the casing,” he said, “the motor may still be running, but the system can end up pulling hot air in from outside instead of cooling efficiently.

“Failing to install the correct size unit for the space you are trying to cool can also significantly impact energy consumption. Units that are too small for a room will run constantly in an effort to reach the desired temperature, while units that are too large can short-cycle, reducing dehumidification and leaving the room feeling less comfortable.”

Importance of regular maintenance

The best and cheapest way to maintain the air quality inside your home is to keep your system clean and serviced regularly.

Failing to clean the coils and filters causes the system to run longer and less efficiently, while neglecting annual servicing of split-system units can lead to a multitude of headaches.

According to Mr Stone, a filter clogged with dust or mould doesn’t just reduce the efficiency of an air-conditioning system – it can also circulate dust, allergens and mould spores throughout the room you are trying to cool.

And then there are the critters.

Believe it or not, lizards, slugs, tree frogs and flying insects that favour dark, damp spaces can make their way inside the wall unit of a split system, damaging the circuit board and shorting it out.

Energy conservation

The more you use an air conditioner – and the greater the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures – the harder the system must work and the more energy it will consume.

“A high-efficiency unit used badly can still waste a lot of energy,” Mr Stone said.

“The traditional advice is to set the temperature on your unit to 72F. However, you can potentially save up to 10 per cent simply by raising the temperature by three or four degrees.”

AirCare have some units with smart sensors that automatically raise the temperature in the room by several degrees if you leave for 20 minutes and then lower the temperature again when you return.

Mr Stone added: “Some of the newer systems even have Wi-Fi controls that allow you to use your phone to turn them on and off at specific times during the day, as well as multiple thermostats that can trigger the system to automatically turn the AC on and off in specific areas of the house based on need.”

For maximum energy efficiency, think of your whole house as a cooling system rather than simply focusing on the AC units themselves.

Installing blackout curtains on west-facing windows that receive direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day is one simple, cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption.

As well as blocking out light, these lined window coverings can reduce heat transfer through windows by as much as one-third, depending on the fabric, fit and window type, making a noticeable difference in both room temperature and energy savings.

Solar system considerations

There has been considerable publicity surrounding solar-assisted air-conditioning units that come with their own solar panels. While these systems can help reduce energy consumption, Mr Stone advises consumers to do their research before making a purchase, as many models use solar energy only to power the condenser fan and often operate less efficiently than traditional high-efficiency units.

For truly meaningful energy savings, he believes the better option is to install a rooftop solar panel system configured to help power the home’s air-conditioning units.

However, there is an important caveat.

“You really need professional guidance before installing a new solar system for your house because the number of panels required to power a household is calculated based on your current energy consumption,” he said.

“This means that if you install a new solar system while still using older air-conditioning units, which consume far more energy, you could end up installing more solar panels than you would actually need if you upgraded your air-conditioning systems first.”

The post Be cool to the environment appeared first on RG Magazines.

The change to warmer weather naturally invites lighter textures, brighter colours and a more relaxed atmosphere indoors.

Jennifer Dearing, senior interior designer at Hamma Galleries, says even small updates can make a home feel completely transformed for the months ahead.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to declutter your space and take inventory of the items you already own,” she said.

One of the easiest seasonal updates is swapping out heavier winter accessories.

Ms Dearing suggests packing away thick throw blankets and replacing them with lightweight, breathable options better suited to Bermuda’s summer evenings. She added that changing smaller soft furnishings can dramatically alter the overall feeling of a room without requiring a major investment.

Replacing darker tones with softer seasonal colours can also dramatically shift the mood of a room. Lightweight fabrics and natural textures instantly create a brighter, more cheerful environment, particularly in living rooms and bedrooms.

“A simple way to refresh your décor is by changing your pillows to lighter fabrics and colours,” she said. “It immediately enhances the airy feel of the space.”

Adding floral accents is another favourite summer update. Whether using fresh flowers or faux stems, bringing touches of nature indoors creates a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

Incorporating pops of colour and greenery throughout the home can help spaces feel brighter, fresher and more connected to Bermuda’s outdoor beauty during the summer months.

Bold and beautiful

This summer’s decorating trends embrace relaxed, natural living, but include a few bold twists. One of the season’s standout looks is oversized or dramatic patterns that bring personality and movement into a space.

“Bold stripes are definitely making a statement this summer,” Ms Dearing said.

Rattan remains a perennial favourite during the warmer months. Made from woven natural fibres, it works beautifully in both furniture and decorative accessories, adding texture and an effortless tropical feel that, for obvious reasons, suits Bermuda homes especially well.

Natural unfinished materials are also having a major moment this summer, with plaster, cement, sculptural stone and rich wood tones appearing throughout both furniture and decorative accessories.

Ms Dearing said these organic finishes help create interiors that feel layered and relaxed while still maintaining a sophisticated look.

Outdoor entertaining continues to shape many summer decorating choices too. Portable and rechargeable LED lamps are proving especially popular, offering soft ambient lighting for outdoor dinners and gatherings.

“They’re not only beautiful for entertaining outdoors, but incredibly practical in Bermuda during hurricane season as backup lighting,” Ms Dearing noted.

Versatile pieces which combine style and practicality are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners looking to make the most of both indoor and outdoor spaces during the season.

When it comes to creating a brighter summer look, she often turns to the island’s landscape for ideas.

“I love finding inspiration in nature, especially during the spring and summer,” she said.

The island’s gardens and coastline are full of soft greens and blues, while brighter tropical colours like turquoise, hot pink and coral red can be found in Bermuda’s hibiscus flowers, bougainvillea, pastel cottages and clear coastal waters.

“These cheerful colours are everywhere in Bermuda and can really energise your home décor,” Ms Dearing said.

Texture also plays an important role in making interiors feel cooler and more relaxed during the summer. Lighter woven fabrics, natural fibres and breezy linens all help create a softer, more inviting environment.

The team at Hamma works closely with clients to incorporate those seasonal touches through custom pillows, window coverings and upholstery projects.

As the exclusive distributor of fabrics from Colefax and Fowler — the celebrated British design house known for its timeless English country style — Hamma Galleries offers a wide range of options for homeowners looking to create a lighter summer feel indoors. Ms Dearing said the fabrics help “bring that outdoor beauty inside”.

Don’t go overboard

While seasonal decorating can be exciting, Ms Dearing encourages homeowners to avoid leaning too heavily into one particular look.

“It’s great to express yourself through your home décor but try not to go overboard with one specific theme,” she advised.

Although adding a few nautical accents can work beautifully in a Bermuda home, filling an entire room with boats, rope, coral and seashells can quickly feel overwhelming, she cautioned.

Instead, she recommends choosing pieces thoughtfully and focusing on items that genuinely resonate with your personal style. She believes seasonal decorating works best when it complements a home’s existing character rather than completely transforming it for a short period of time.

Bedrooms are another area where simple seasonal updates can make a noticeable difference, particularly when it comes to comfort during Bermuda’s warmer weather.

Ms Dearing recommends switching to lighter, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen and reconsidering heavy bedding altogether.

“Instead of using your winter duvet, consider using a throw or quilt, or simply remove the duvet from its cover and use just the cover,” she suggested.

Light colours also help bedrooms feel cooler and calmer throughout the season. Crisp whites and softer neutral tones can create a hotel-inspired look while still feeling comfortable and relaxed.

“I personally prefer simple white sheets paired with a lumbar pillow to add a pop of colour,” she said. “The lumbar pillow can be easily switched out seasonally to refresh your space.”

Ultimately, Ms Dearing believes giving your home a summer feel doesn’t require a complete redesign or major investment. Often, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.

She encourages homeowners to focus on selecting pieces they genuinely love rather than decorating solely for a particular season or trend, creating spaces that feel timeless as well as personal.

“Your home should reflect your personality and the things that make you feel happy,” she said.

The post Summer refresh appeared first on RG Magazines.

For parents who want to get their children outside and enjoying themselves, instead of hiding in the air-conditioning glued to a screen, your answer might just be a garden that is fun and inviting.

We have done our research and found that Bermuda’s stores are stocked high with toys, games and swimming-pools to suit every age, budget and yard size, and we even found someone who can custom-make tree houses, playhouses and playsets that are limited only by your imagination.

Custom-made garden fun

There is something about a wooden tree house or playset that just screams idyllic childhood and the man who can bring this magic to life is Michiko Campbell, aka, Chiko the Builder. Not to be confused with Chiko the Chef – same person, different talent.

One of the largest he ever made was an open wooden playhouse on stilts with steps leading up to it and a hammock swing on one side. Ideal for tea parties with friends, or a relaxing story.

“That project was amazing. I loved everything about it,” he said.

Another favourite project involved an uneven Bermuda stone wall, which he turned into a mountain climbing-type apparatus with a boat rope, slide, platform and lookout house.

On the more practical but still vibrant side, he has also created a bright pink, two-storey playhouse, with storage below and white outdoor steps leading to the fun part up top, complete with balcony and windows.

Other creations include a Noah’s Ark that can be a boat, a table and even a sand pit. He can also custom make swing sets.

While he has made playhouses around trees, he hasn’t yet been asked to make one high up in a tree.

“You just have to make sure you got the strong base platform and the tree is durable for it,” he said. “Any strong hardwood tree would do.”

Having said that, if the tree is not strong enough, it’s nothing that supporting pillars can’t fix.

For more information follow Chiko The Builder on facebook, @chikothebuilder on Instagram or call 704-4566.

Toys and games

For instant fun, the Gorham’s toy department is bursting with outdoor garden games including croquet, volleyball, badminton, ladderball and something called Jazzminton, which, said the box, is “the ultimate paddle game with no boundaries”. Along with a more traditional looking pickleball set, looks like it makes a great alternative use for a driveway. There’s also a “Fun 5 Combo” which includes five games in one box. This, said sales associate, Carol Lema, is very popular.

There is also kid-friendly archery and axe throwing sets, but RG Home’s sensible advice is to set those up away from the direction of any windows.

For smaller children, the Caterpillar Sandbox, is another top seller and Gorham’s also has the play sand to go with it.

While they might be a bigger investment, the outdoor ping pong and foosball tables at Island Trading can be a whole family affair … literally.

“Children, teenagers, parents and grandparents. They are a great way to get everyone off screens and outside for some fun, friendly competition,” said the store’s managing director, Laura Farge-Lowe.

Both of these, she added, “are designed for outdoor use, with a durable, weatherproof playing surface suited to Bermuda gardens, patios and pool areas.”

To help keep them in the best shape possible, she recommended folding and storing the ping pong table in a sheltered spot when it’s not being used and for both tables, using their protective covers.

Water fun

All of this outdoor play is bound to make children hot and cranky so what better way to cool them down than by throwing them in some water.

Single, double and even foam slip and slides are currently on sale in Gorham’s, along with a variety of ever-popular water pistols. For the latter, based on personal experience, this writer strongly recommends closing all windows and locking all doors to make sure ALL water battles stay outside.

They also sell a variety of hard and blow up paddling pools for young children. The hard ones, Ms Lema said, have the added benefit of being fun for dogs too.

Something that has been flying of the shelves in recent years are the above-ground swimming pools.

“People go crazy over pools in their backyard,” she continued. Available sizes range from six feet up to 18 feet in diameter and the most popular ones come with steel frames.

While they may look like giant paddling pools, they need to be maintained like swimming pools. Gorham’s sells cleaning vacuums and they come with pumps, but the filters must be changed regularly. They also need chemicals, such as chlorine. Gorham’s don’t sell these, but they do sell the floating dispensers for the tablets. These tablets can be bought from Pool & Spa House on King Street in Hamilton, and they keep them in stock year-round.

A word of warning, while great fun, above-ground swimming pools can be dangerous, especially for small children or others who can’t swim well.

“I would advise you to make sure that you fence it off,” Ms Lema said. Even if you take the step ladder away, there is still the risk a child will find a way to get up. “Kids are very inquisitive,” she continued.

For added pool fun, there is a wide variety of flotation devices including noodles and blow up floats seemingly in every shape and colour, as well as toys for diving.

If you really want to splash out (pun intended) on the ultimate in water flotation, Ms Farge-Lowe recommends the Big Dipper at Island Trading, which is “designed to last season after season” with the proper care and storage. The Big Dipper is like a gigantic noodle and doesn’t need to be blown up. She has one for each of her kids and “they are still going strong after three years”.

The post Garden Magic appeared first on RG Magazines.

Less trimming. Fewer perfectly edged hedges. A little more space left to grow, to flower, to exist without constant intervention.

It may not be the norm yet. But it is a direction worth moving towards.

Back to the 80s, when you would run through the grass and pick dandelions, Bermudianas and the wild lilies that would sprout after the rain, when you could pick stinging nettles for your mother to boil for tea.

Somewhere along the way, that changed.

Lawns became tighter. Edges sharper. Spaces are more controlled. The use of pesticides on sidewalks became commonplace, with no regard for runoff into the ocean. And in that shift, much of what once supported Bermuda’s natural life quietly disappeared.

Although much has been lost, and some things may never fully return, there is space for recovery.

Reversing that shift starts with how we choose to care for the spaces around us.

According to Heather Bottelli of the Bermuda Audubon Society, restoring that balance does not require a complete overhaul. It starts with small, intentional changes at home, one person at a time, one home at a time.

“Biodiversity isn’t just a word,” she explained. “It’s something we can act on.”

She said Bermuda’s native and endemic plants developed over hundreds of thousands of years, carried by wind, ocean currents and migrating birds, and that these plants continue to support both resident and migratory species today by providing food sources such as berries, nectar and insects.

Ms Bottelli emphasised that Bermuda plays an important role as a mid-Atlantic refuge for migratory birds, particularly as global bird populations face increasing pressure due to habitat loss.

In practical terms, that means rethinking what a garden is meant to do. It is not only about how it looks. It is about what it supports.

The idea of a “well-manicured lawn” was not always the norm.

Lawns were born out of 17th century British aristocratic culture. Wealthy landowners kept large areas of land just for grass to show they did not need to use it to grow food. It was wealth visibility without sustainability.

In Bermuda, in years gone by, communities lived close to the water, relying on fishing and the land for sustenance. Yet they were abruptly moved to make way for hotels and golf courses that supported the exponential growth of the tourism industry. Well-manicured landscapes and golf courses replaced working land.

Planting native and endemic species is one of the most effective ways to begin restoring function to the spaces around us, while confronting issues of access and equity in how land is owned and used.

Planting native, endemic and compatible species is one of the most effective ways to attract wildlife, particularly butterflies, bees and birds.

“Milkweed and lantana provide nectar for butterflies,” Ms Bottelli said, “while Darrell’s Fleabane, an endemic plant, supports bees.” She added that hummingbirds are drawn to red, tubular flowers such as salvia and honeysuckle during their migration.

Even plants that are often pulled out or cut back too quickly have value. “Thistles, dandelions, and goldenrod provide important food sources for birds,” Ms Bottelli noted.

She said birdbaths can make a difference, as long has they’re kept clean and positioned away from predators. Small ponds can further support wildlife by creating habitats for insects, which in turn become food for birds.

Ms Bottelli added: “Lizards and tree frogs help control insect populations, feeding on ants and mosquitoes. Ladybugs reduce aphids and thrips, although their numbers appear to be declining, likely due to pesticide use. Wasps serve as both pollinators and natural pest control. Even spiders play a role by managing unwanted insects.

“Each species contributes to balance and removing one element can have wider effects.”

The post From manicured to meaningful appeared first on RG Magazines.

Survival was top of mind for the settlers. When they arrived in the 1600s, the easiest materials to access were Bermuda cedar and palmetto. As such, they built houses almost entirely from wood.

Although there is an element of uncertainty, it’s a history laid out by the Bermuda National Trust. According to its website, timber frames were set into the ground, with gaps “likely” filled using cedar lathes and coated in a limestone-based plaster. Roofs were thatched with palmetto leaves — quick to assemble, but far from durable.

According to the Trust: “No buildings finished in this manner survive so it is impossible to be certain how they were built.”

By 1687 structures were better documented. Governor Sir Richard Robinson recorded 579 houses on the island: 29 had stone roofs, 63 had wooden shingles, and the rest were thatched.

At that stage, stone construction was still rare. As shown in a detailed 1624 map by John Smith now on display at Verdmont, a Trust property in Smith’s, the only buildings known to have been built that way were forts, and the State House in St George’s.

Things began to change towards the end of the 17th century as Bermuda’s economy evolved. Shipbuilders were using increasing amounts of cedar, leaving less available for house building.

Limestone proved itself to be a more durable alternative and in 1693, land granted in St George’s came with a condition: build in stone.

Even with that, change was gradual until nature intervened.

Two powerful hurricanes in 1712 and 1715 tore across the island, causing widespread damage. In the aftermath, practicality began to outweigh tradition.

As stated by the Bermuda National Trust: “In some cases the wooden walls of standing buildings were replaced by stone rather than by total rebuilding.”

It was a practical solution — and one that helped define what would become Bermuda’s vernacular architecture.

Evolving styles

Houses were built to last, but also to work with the landscape. Gable roofs, supported by substantial chimneys at either end, became common. Windows were tucked just under the eaves, helping to keep interiors cool while allowing air to circulate.

Many homes were just one room wide, with additional sections added over time, often at right angles. Steps leading up to the entrance were sometimes straight but often flared outward — a feature now known as “welcoming arms”.

With weather in mind, placement mattered and homes were frequently built into hillsides or along sheltered shorelines, keeping them out of the wind and away from valuable farmland.

Living spaces were raised above cellar areas. There were also outbuildings, used as kitchens, butteries or, in some cases, as accommodation for slaves.

Examples can be seen today in places like the Old Rectory and Fanny Fox’s Cottage in St George’s, and Carter House in St David’s.

Influenced by the Georgian style popular in Britain, buildings in Bermuda became more symmetrical, more formal and, in many cases, more expressive of status during the 18th century.

As described by the Trust, gable roofs gradually gave way to hipped roofs. Facades were balanced, with centrally placed doors and evenly spaced windows. Decorative elements such as pilasters and quoins appeared, framing corners and entrances.

Aesthetic appeal

The evolution from function to form continued into the 19th century. Roofs became shallower in pitch, verandahs were introduced, and details grew more elaborate. Semi-circular windows appeared above doorways, while decorative detailing around doors and windows became more common.

Windows shifted from the traditional six-over-six panes to simpler two-over-two designs, allowing for larger panes of glass and clearer views out. Bay windows were introduced, projecting outward from the wall they brought in more light and created a greater sense of space inside. Chimneys, once purely practical, became increasingly decorative — with some built in octagonal forms and, by the late 19th century, others added simply for show.

Although Bermuda never lost its architectural roots, appearance began to matter more.

Some roofs were covered with slate laid end to end instead of the traditional overlapping style still used today, and moulding around eaves and corners became increasingly ornate.

However, after the First World War there was a renewed interest in the island’s earlier cottage-style buildings — the very forms that had developed out of necessity in the 18th century. Architects and builders began revisiting these designs, blending traditional elements with more modern layouts.

Figures such as Rupert Carlyle Hollis Hallett and Wilfred Onions helped shape that revival, while wealthy overseas buyers in the 1920s and 1930s also played a role, restoring older homes with care.

Colour, too, remained a defining feature. The pastel shades seen across the island today are not a modern addition, but part of a tradition that dates back centuries.

“Bermuda’s architecture is stand-alone in the world as is its widespread and renowned use of building colour,” the Bermuda National Trust notes.

That history is now being preserved more deliberately. In 2018, the Bermuda National Trust partnered with Texas A&M University to analyse paint samples from historic buildings across the island, creating an authentic palette based on earlier finishes.

“This is the first nationwide effort in the Greater Caribbean region to create a set of historic paint colours,” the Trust said.

The post How Bermuda built its homes appeared first on RG Magazines.

Yet how many of us really understand the laws and the language as we sign our life-changing documents?

To help break it down, we enlisted the expertise of Neil Molyneux, a senior associate in the Bermuda office of law firm Appleby, who is a property law specialist and a member of the firm’s property team.

The legal framework:

• Bermuda’s land law is based on English common law but modified by statutes and Bermuda court decisions which address Bermuda’s particular requirements. The primary legislation governing the transfer of land is the Conveyancing Act 1983 as modified by the Land Registration Act 2011.
• For unregistered land, title is demonstrated through a “chain of deeds” going back at least 20 years. After land becomes registered, title is demonstrated by obtaining a copy of the register for the property from the Land Title Registry.

Property in Bermuda is held under two distinct legal interests:

• Freehold (or fee simple), which represents ultimate ownership, with absolute rights over the land and buildings forever; or
• Leasehold, which represents an interest for a fixed time period, often 999 years for an apartment/condominium.

Co-ownership is as:

• Joint tenants, where a deceased’s interest automatically passes to the survivor; or
• Tenants in common, where each owner holds a distinct share that can be bequeathed to heirs or separately sold.

Mr Molyneux said: “Due to limited land, the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 imposes restrictions on foreign ownership.”

The term “internationals” refers to those who are not legally Bermudians or Belongers (British Overseas Territory citizens). Permanent Resident Certificate holders are internationals for property purposes (with some concessions beyond this article’s scope).

• Licensing: internationals must apply to Government for an Acquisition Licence. This process involves vetting financial standing and character references.
• Annual rental value restrictions: internationals are restricted to high-value homes, eg, a minimum ARV of $126,000 for standalone homes.
• Inventory limits: internationals are typically prohibited from purchasing vacant land.

Mr Molyneux added: “Bermuda has no capital gains tax, but transactional costs are high.”

Payments to Government are:

• Stamp duty: calculated on the value transferred on a sliding scale, reaching up to 7.35 per cent for high-value properties.

• Licence fees: internationals pay a one-time fee for their Acquisition Licence, which ranges from zero per cent (for a hotel/resort unit placed into hotel inventory), to 12.5 per cent (for a standalone home) of the purchase price depending on the property type.

• Land tax: all property owners pay a bi-annual tax based on the property’s ARV (set by government).

Regarding zoning and planning, Mr Molyneux said: “Development and building permits are controlled by the Department of Planning. The Bermuda Plan dictates land use, conservation zones, and building heights.

“Given Bermuda’s tough environment (high humidity, salty air and being situated in ‘hurricane alley’), the building code requires features, such as concrete blocks and white-stepped limestone roofs, which allow for water catchment.”

The process involves distinct classifications:

• Planning permission (using Form DAP1): required for most development, including new buildings or material use changes. This involves public advertisement and review by the Development Applications Board.
• Building permits: with planning approved, a building permit ensures construction meets the safety standards set by Bermuda’s Building Code. Note the code is updated from time to time. Older plant and apparatus, if installed to code, is grandfathered, however modifications require retrofitting to current code.
• Permitted development permits: minor works may bypass full planning review, which the Department aims to process within five working days. This permit confirms planning permission is not required.

Planning Department applications are submitted via the online Customer Self Service portal. Fees are based on project type and square footage.

The post Know your Bermuda land laws appeared first on RG Magazines.

If you want a Bermuda garden that feels like Bermuda, going endemic is not a trend, it is a decision.

It decides whether your Sunday afternoon is spent battling plants that thrive on takeover or building a garden around species that evolved for this limestone, this salt air, this wind, and the wildlife that depends on them.

For gardeners, the first hurdle is misunderstanding.

Myles Darrell, head of national heritage at Bermuda National Trust, said: “One of the most common misconceptions is that Bermuda’s native and endemic plants grow slowly or struggle to establish.

“In reality, many of them grow very quickly when planted in the right conditions.”

He points to the Bermuda cedar as proof.

Another misconception is that native plants are less attractive than imported ornamentals. “That simply isn’t the case.”

Mr Darrell loves the coastal sophora for its bright yellow flowers and its ability to thrive in windy coastal conditions where many imported plants fail.

The practical argument is straightforward: landscapes built around native and endemic plants can be established quickly, require less maintenance, and stay resilient in Bermuda’s climate.

If you have ever wondered what restoration looks like beyond a before-and-after photo, Mr Darrell describes it as a living shift you can feel.

When a site begins to recover, it is the small signals that matter. Native plants returning. Birds and insects are using the space again. Sunlight reaches the forest floor, where invasive vines once smothered everything.

“Walking through a restored landscape genuinely makes me a little giddy,” Mr Darrell said. He imagines what the space could look like 10 or 20 years from now, “if the work continues.” It is a hope with dirt under its nails.

The Rebecca Middleton Nature Reserve in Paget shows what “continue” looks like in real time.

When restoration began, the reserve was heavily dominated by invasives, particularly balloon vine. Anyone who has fought balloon vine knows it does not politely share. It races, climbs and chokes. With consistent work and community support, Mr Darrell says the transformation has been remarkable.

Today, more than 60 per cent of the reserve is dominated by native and endemic species. Trails are accessible again. Biodiversity has increased. Just as important, the community uses the space.

“When people begin to take pride in a restored landscape, that’s when conservation truly succeeds.”

This is why invasives are not just a gardening nuisance. Mr Darrell calls them “one of the most serious environmental threats Bermuda faces”.

They displace ecosystems that evolved here naturally, turning diverse habitats into dense monocultures that support far less wildlife. They change the land’s look and function. They even affect our coastlines. Casuarina, he notes, often falls during storms and can take sections of coastline with it. When invasive plants replace healthy native ecosystems, our natural resilience weakens, at the exact moment climate impacts are growing.

If you want the perfect Bermuda garden specifically for your home space and you are not sure where to start, visit a nature reserve with a notebook, pay attention to what thrives without constant intervention, and build from there.

And if you want to go beyond your fence line, reach out to organisations doing this work, including the Bermuda National Trust, and join in on restoration efforts or education programmes already underway.

The post Get your hands dirty and go endemic appeared first on RG Magazines.

However, in Bermuda, you can add the build-up of mould, moss, algae, dirt and rust stains, on a vast variety of exterior surfaces to that list.

Our very damp climate is the perfect breeding ground for the growth or development of such irritants on the roofs, walls and grounds of our properties.

To address those concerns, property owners are calling on entrepreneur Seth Ming for assistance.

Mr Ming, set up Peak Performance Pressure Washing in April 2024 and now serves both residential and commercial clients seeking to maintain and refresh their properties.

The business restores properties by offering both pressure washing and soft washing services, stain removal, and roof and tank cleaning.

Mr Ming said pressure washing and soft washing are the perfect treatment for surfaces such as concrete driveways, mouldy walls, patios, brick and stone.

He has built his own soft washing system where he can apply measured solutions with the turn of a switch.

The low-pressure cleaning approach is used on house washes and brick to get rid of mould.

Mr Ming said: “I also use it to pre-treat and post-treat concrete areas.”

He said the process uses a gentle mixture of cleaning solutions to result in a deep clean with long-lasting results. Bacteria are killed at the source, without damaging delicate surfaces, or painted surfaces.

Chemicals in the cleaning solution do most of the work, killing black mould, algae and mildew off walls, concrete or any other surface.

It is a longer process than pressure washing as the solution must stay on the target surface for up to 20 minutes to remove the residue before Mr Ming administers a freshwater wash.

The detergent used, which is a percentage mix of water to chemical solution, is altered to fit the task.

Mr Ming said: “I customise the ratios according to the job. I have a different solution mixture from pressure washing to soft washing.”

Bringing an idea home

He first had the idea to begin a pressure washing business when he saw a soft washing job being done while enrolled in a heavy equipment operator’s course in Florida.

Returning home from the course in 2010, Mr Ming operated heavy equipment for a range of employers in the construction sector before becoming a driver in the trucking business in 2014.

All the while, he was thinking about the promising potential of a pressure washing business in Bermuda.

Mr Ming said: “I’ve had it in the back of my head ever since. I was thinking of things that could be a valuable business and help people on the island at the same time because this island breeds mould.

“I’ve been on a countless amount of site visits where I have slipped and slid due to the black mould.

“When people call and ask what else I can clean, it’s pretty much everything external on a residential or commercial property that I can clean. I’ve got special solutions for everything!”

In the beginning, Mr Ming worked his trucking job alongside the launch of Peak Performance, offering power washing services to family and friends so that he could build up a portfolio of work.

He went full-time with Peak Performance this January after a busy pre-holiday period last Christmas.

“Last summer was pretty busy with a lot of pool decks, patios, house washes and roof jobs, but everybody wants stuff clean for Christmas. My schedule was through the roof!

“Nobody wants their auntie coming with the Christmas turkey and slipping on the drive and falling. That’s the time that people want stuff spic and span.

“I’ve also got people calling me because they have elderly people staying in their properties, and they want to avoid ‘slip and falls’, so I can help people in that regard too.”

Plans to grow

In addition to being hired by property owners, Mr Ming said the business is now getting referrals from painting contractors, who need exterior walls or roofs cleaned before they start their projects.

Sometimes, he said, residential customers prefer a soft wash of exterior walls rather than a full paint job.

The service is customised to the property being worked on. An SKB roof, for example, is treated differently than a traditional limestone slate roof by adjusting the pressure of the water being applied.

Mr Ming said: “With an SKB roof, you can get a little more aggressive with pressure. With the older style roofs, you are gentler when you are washing them clean and getting the dirt off the roof.

“I did a house last year that was built in 1703, which is without a doubt the oldest roof I’ve stepped foot on. You’ve got to be extra careful with an old cottage like that.”

As a teenager, Mr Ming and his older brother assisted their father, Roderick Ming, who operated Ming’s Contracting.

He said: “I left my full-time job to operate Peak Performance Pressure Washing because I like to be independent, I like to make my own hours, and I like to do my own work.”

Now that the business has his sole attention, Mr Ming said he wants to hire summer students and plans to expand Peak Performance in the future.

Already, five or six people are reaching out to him daily, offering their services and expressing an interest in learning the business.

Peak Performance has a presence on Facebook and Instagram and soon will launch a Google Ads campaign.

Mr Ming said: “It’s going well, but there is definitely plenty of room for growth. It’s just how fast I want to grow. I want to expand in the right way.

“My plan is to be the biggest exterior cleaning company on island.”

The post Performing under pressure appeared first on RG Magazines.