en
Ticket Office
en

Embark on a sensory journey through the Garden

Our Team

There are several secrets behind the success and beauty of Parque Terra Nostra, but one of the most precious is the work of our dedicated teams. 

Team

Together for the preservation of nature

Our shared mission revolves around the daily preservation and growth of the Garden's botanical and biological heritage, ensuring its legacy for future generations. We aim to continually enhance its standing as a prominent destination on the Azores' tourist and scientific map.

Together for the preservation of nature

Dedication, knowledge, and curiosity

Parque Terra Nostra entrusts our skilled gardeners with the responsibility of nurturing and planting botanical species while designing flowerbeds and arranging plant groups. Following the British tradition, the garden's evolution is intertwined with the leadership of the head gardener and their dedicated team.

Their innovative efforts, honoring historical significance and respecting climate and soil conditions, solidify our gardeners as true guardians of the Garden. Their dedication, alongside the entire staff, from cleaning to reception, ensures that every visit becomes a memorable experience.

Dedication, knowledge, and curiosity

Working at Parque Terra Nostra

Discover the captivating stories of the faces who shape the magnificent landscapes of our Garden - the ones who consider this place their second home and proudly belong to the Terra Nostra family.

Working at Parque Terra Nostra
Carina Costa

Carina Costa

Agricultural Engineer
Close Carina Costa

Carina Costa

Carina graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences - Agronomy Branch and Master’s degree in Agronomic Engineering from the University of the Azores. In 2011, she became part of the management team, responsible for overseeing and maintaining Terra Nostra Garden, and focused on the existing Camellia Collection, which earned the title of Camellia Garden of Excellence in 2014. She designed and assisted in the reconstruction of the Flower Garden and the Garden of Endemic and Native Flora of the Azores. She is also the author of the book ‘Phytosanitary Problems in Camellias on São Miguel Island.’

"Participating in this project means the opportunity to preserve a unique natural and historical legacy because, while I contribute to its continuous botanical and landscape enrichment, I also have the privilege of immersing myself in an environment of timeless beauty."

Carina Costa

"The oldest camellias will be between 90 and 110 years old"

Fernando Costa

Fernando Costa

Head Gardener
Close Fernando Costa

Fernando Costa

Fernando Costa, hailing from Furnas, has cultivated his passion for gardening since the age of sixteen. He has dedicated his expertise to Terra Nostra Garden since 1981, assuming the role of head gardener for the past thirty-two years. Today, he leads a skilled team of more than ten gardeners. Fernando Costa's charm is evident when he eloquently shares his insights and unmistakable bond with his garden. He has lived with his family within Terra Nostra Garden for several years, fostering an intimate connection. His family legacy continues, as his daughter Carina Costa, an agricultural engineer, joined his team in 2011.

"It is a life of hard work, study, and experience."

He doesn't have a favorite season in the Garden and claims it is beautiful all year. "In spring, there are flowers; in summer, there are other flowers. In the fall, there are the colors, and in winter, with the trees naked of leaves, the green of the land stands out," he explains.

Fernando Costa

"I have three loves in my life, the Garden, my wife, and my daughter"

Meet our team

Alice Melo

Alice Melo

Assistant General Manager Working at the Garden since 2022

Álvaro Dâmaso

Álvaro Dâmaso

Gardener Working at the Garden since 2022

Carina Costa

Carina Costa

Agricultural Engineer Working at the Garden since 2011

Close Carina Costa

Carina Costa

Carina graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences - Agronomy Branch and Master’s degree in Agronomic Engineering from the University of the Azores. In 2011, she became part of the management team, responsible for overseeing and maintaining Terra Nostra Garden, and focused on the existing Camellia Collection, which earned the title of Camellia Garden of Excellence in 2014. She designed and assisted in the reconstruction of the Flower Garden and the Garden of Endemic and Native Flora of the Azores. She is also the author of the book ‘Phytosanitary Problems in Camellias on São Miguel Island.’

"Participating in this project means the opportunity to preserve a unique natural and historical legacy because, while I contribute to its continuous botanical and landscape enrichment, I also have the privilege of immersing myself in an environment of timeless beauty."

Carla Araújo

Carla Araújo

Housekeeper Working at the Garden since 2021

Diogo Carreiro

Diogo Carreiro

Receptionist Working at the Garden since 2018

Emanuel Pacheco

Emanuel Pacheco

Gardener Working at the Garden since 2016

Emanuel Santos

Emanuel Santos

Gardener Working at the Garden since 1983

Fabiana Campos

Fabiana Campos

Housekeeper Working at the Garden since 2018

Fátima Fidalgo

Fátima Fidalgo

Assistant General Manager Working at the Garden since 1987

Fernando Costa

Fernando Costa

Head Gardener Working at the Garden since 1983

Close Fernando Costa

Fernando Costa

Fernando Costa, hailing from Furnas, has cultivated his passion for gardening since the age of sixteen. He has dedicated his expertise to Terra Nostra Garden since 1981, assuming the role of head gardener for the past thirty-two years. Today, he leads a skilled team of more than ten gardeners. Fernando Costa's charm is evident when he eloquently shares his insights and unmistakable bond with his garden. He has lived with his family within Terra Nostra Garden for several years, fostering an intimate connection. His family legacy continues, as his daughter Carina Costa, an agricultural engineer, joined his team in 2011.

"It is a life of hard work, study, and experience."

He doesn't have a favorite season in the Garden and claims it is beautiful all year. "In spring, there are flowers; in summer, there are other flowers. In the fall, there are the colors, and in winter, with the trees naked of leaves, the green of the land stands out," he explains.

Gonçalo Lopes

Gonçalo Lopes

Front Office Manager Working at the Garden since 2023

Guilherme Vitorino

Guilherme Vitorino

Receptionist Working at the Garden since 2019

Load more

Find out all about Parque Terra Nostra

Explore the Gardens

Explore the Gardens
Healing properties

Healing properties
Map

Map
Hotel

Hotel