Gothenburg Botanical Garden: A garden growing with its plants

On a mission to restore the future of plants, Gothenburg Botanical Garden showcases over 100 years of biodiversity, balance and beauty. Situated in the heart of the city, the green oasis is a popular attraction for curious visitors of all ages – and is growing steadily with a stunning new visitor centre and additional glasshouses in the works.

Botanical gardens differ from ‘standard’ gardens as they have documented collections of living plants for research, preservation and educational purposes. And as the natural habitats for plants change, botanical gardens are becoming increasingly important worldwide to help protect endangered species. “Our job is simply to preserve, educate and research the diversity of the plant world,” says Maria Arlmark Björn, head of communication.

This summer, visitors can, among other things, look forward to an abundance of flowering bulb plants. In fact, this garden has one of the world’s most impressive collections of bulbs and tubers and has been home to the alpine onion since the 1920s. Visitors are also sure to enjoy the Alpine House, the garden’s latest glasshouse, which perfectly embodies the institution’s overall mission.

With a vast playing field of 185 acres, Gothenburg Botanical Garden boasts 20,000 plant species and hybrids from over 130 countries – one of the largest collections of its kind in Europe. Add Rock Garden, a spectacular waterfall, a lush herb garden, a calming Japanese valley and a multifaceted programme of events and exhibitions to this, and you will see why botany and horticulture enthusiasts leave full of praise.

“People come here to enjoy plants from all corners of the planet in beautifully composed sections,” says Arlmark Björn. “As it stands, we have over 600,000 visitors to the garden every year, which actually makes us one of Gothenburg’s biggest attractions.” However, it is not all about pretty views and serene surroundings; over the years, the garden has become an essential supporting body to scientific research.

Gothenburg Botanical Garden also plays an important educational role as a place for children to learn about nature and how to respect it. To support the growing number of guests, additional glass houses and a new visitor centre are being built, with the latter set to open in 2030. Until then, the garden, with all its botanical brilliance, is open as usual and ready to impress.

Web: www.botaniska.se
Facebook: goteborgs.botaniska.tradgard