The Oxford Botanic Garden is a beautiful and historic garden located in the heart of Oxford, just a short walk from the city centre. The garden is part of the University of Oxford’s Botanic Garden and Arboretum and is the oldest botanic Garden in the UK and one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world. The garden is home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world and offers visitors a unique and immersive experience. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the Oxford Botanic Garden so special.
The Oxford Botanic Garden covers an area of approximately 4.5 acres and is divided into several themed areas, each with its own unique plant collections. Home to over 5,000 different plant species, including rare and exotic plants from around the world. The garden is divided into several themed areas, including the Walled Garden, the Glasshouses, the Water Garden and the Lower Garden, each with its own unique plant collections.
The Walled Garden
Located within the walls of an 18th-century walled garden and covers an area of approximately 1.5 acres. The garden is divided into several themed areas, each with its own unique plant collections.
One of the highlights of the Walled Garden is the Herbaceous Border, which features a stunning array of perennials and grasses that provide a riot of colour throughout the growing season. The garden also features a wide range of exotic and unusual plants from around the world, including a collection of carnivorous plants and a range of rare and unusual bulbs.
The garden is designed to provide a peaceful and relaxing space for visitors, with carefully curated plantings and tranquil water features that create a soothing atmosphere. Visitors can explore the garden at their own pace, taking in the stunning displays and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The Glass Houses
A fascinating and unique feature of the garden, offering visitors the chance to explore a range of different climates and plant habitats from around the world.
The glasshouses are home to over 1,200 different plant species, many of which are rare and exotic. The plants are arranged according to their geographical origin, with each glasshouse featuring a unique collection of plants from a specific region.
The Glasshouses are a series of interconnected buildings that cover an area of over 7,000 square feet. The glasshouses are designed to recreate a range of different climates and plant habitats from around the world, including tropical rainforests, arid deserts, and alpine environments. The glasshouses are designed to provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors, with carefully controlled temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions that help to recreate the natural habitats of the plants. Visitors can explore the glasshouses at their own pace, taking in the stunning displays of tropical orchids, cacti, and other exotic plants.
The Water Garden
The Water Garden at the Oxford Botanic Garden is located in the south-west corner of the garden and covers an area of approximately 0.5 acres. The garden is designed to provide a tranquil and relaxing space for visitors, with a range of water features, aquatic plants, and shady spots to sit and take in the scenery.
The water features in the garden include a pond, a stream, and a series of waterfalls, all of which provide a soothing and calming atmosphere. The garden is home to a range of aquatic plants, including water lilies, irises, and rushes, which provide a riot of colour throughout the growing season.
Lower Garden
The Lower Garden holds ornamental collections including the Rock Garden, which has many Mediterranean species, the Gin Border in which plants commonly used in the production of gin are grown, the Herbaceous Border, Plants That Changed the World beds, and the Merton Border. The Lower Garden is also adjacent to Christ Church Meadow and bordered by the river Cherwell and provides a tranquil space perfect for picnics. Gardeners will find inspiration in the colourful and dramatic plantings.
The Oxford Botanic Garden is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to explore a stunning array of plant collections and habitats from around the world. With its tranquil atmosphere and carefully curated plantings, the garden is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in horticulture or simply looking for a peaceful and immersive day out.
