Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a world-renowned botanic garden located in the heart of Cambridge, England. It is the oldest botanic garden in the UK and was founded in 1831. The garden covers an area of 40 acres and is home to over 8000 species of plants, trees and shrubs from around the world. It is an important scientific and educational resource, providing a unique and diverse environment for research and teaching.
History
The garden was founded in 1831 by John Henslow, the professor of botany at Cambridge University. It was originally established as a place to cultivate and study plants from around the world. The garden was expanded in the 19th century with the addition of the glasshouses, a rock garden and an arboretum. In the 20th century, the garden underwent a major renovation, with new paths, ponds and a new herbarium being added. Today, the garden is home to a range of plants from all over the world, including rare and endangered species.
Features
The garden is divided into several areas, including the Henslow Garden, which contains many of the plants that were originally collected by John Henslow. The Glasshouses contain a range of exotic plants from around the world, including orchids, cacti and palms. The Rock Garden is home to alpine plants, while the Arboretum contains a collection of trees and shrubs. The Herbarium contains a range of dried plants and specimens, which are used for research and teaching. The Ponds provide a tranquil setting, and are home to a variety of wildlife.
Events and Activities
The garden hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year. These include talks and lectures, guided walks, workshops and children’s activities. The garden is also home to a range of art and photography exhibitions, as well as live music and theatre performances. There are also a number of special events such as the Plant Hunters’ Fair, the Plant and Seed Swap and the Plant Festival.
Accessibility
The garden is open to the public and is free to enter. There is a car park located nearby and the garden is also easily accessible by public transport. The garden is wheelchair accessible, with level paths and accessible toilets. There is also a cafe and gift shop located within the garden.
Plant Collections
The garden is home to a range of plants from all over the world. These include a Carnivorous Plant Collection, a Fruit and Vegetable Collection, an Orchid Collection, a Perennial Collection and a Cacti and Succulent Collection. The garden also houses a Medicinal Plant Collection, a Conifer Collection and a Rare and Endangered Species Collection.
Conifer Collection
- Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine)
- Taxus baccata (Yew)
- Thuja occidentalis (Arborvitae)
- Abies alba (Silver Fir)
- Picea abies (Norway Spruce)
Medicinal Plant Collection
- Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
- Allium sativum (Garlic)
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
- Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort)
- Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender)
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a wonderful place to visit, with a wealth of plants and activities to explore. It is an important scientific and educational resource, and a great way to learn about plants and the environment.
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