Hortus botanicus Leiden: A Green Oasis Since 1590
Step into the Hortus botanicus Leiden, the Netherlands’ oldest botanical garden, and immerse yourself in over four centuries of botanical wonders. Explore diverse garden areas and greenhouses, each home to special plant collections. Choose a themed walking route to enhance your visit and discover the garden’s rich history and scientific contributions.
What is a Botanical Garden?
A botanical garden is a specialized garden dedicated to collecting, cultivating, studying, and exhibiting various plant species. These gardens play a vital role in plant conservation, scientific research, education, and recreation.
Why Are Botanical Gardens Important?
Botanical gardens offer more than just natural beauty; they positively impact our world in numerous ways:
- Preserving Biodiversity: Botanical gardens safeguard rare and endangered plant species, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection.
- Scientific Research: These gardens provide unique environments for botanical research, leading to valuable discoveries and knowledge.
- Plant Education: Botanical gardens offer educational programs, tours, and workshops, inspiring visitors and raising awareness about nature conservation.
- Climate Change and Sustainability: Botanical gardens promote sustainable practices and serve as models for responsible natural resource management, contributing to a greener future.
Tropical and Subtropical Greenhouses: Indoor Paradises
Botanical greenhouses create controlled environments for plants that wouldn’t thrive in the local climate. The Hortus boasts tropical greenhouses where orchids, carnivorous pitcher plants, and ferns flourish. The Winter Garden, a subtropical greenhouse, houses tub plants, succulents, and carnivores in a cooler, drier climate.
Leave a Reply