George Caley

George Caley succeeded Lochead but was proved incapable and The Gardens fell upon lean times.

The War Department having grown tired of Caley’s repeated requests and harassment, recalled him in 1819 and handed the St. Vincent gardens over to the colonial Government whence it was relegated to a care and maintenance basis until 1849 when it was abandoned and fell into despair – one writer describing it as “crest fallen and now a jungle of weeds”. During this time in 1828, some 3 acres were set aside for a Government House. The first half of the 19th century was a lean time for colonial botanic gardens and it was only Anderson’s enthusiasm and the high regard in which he was held that kept St. Vincent’s among the favoured few.