University of Oxford Botanic Garden: Head of its Class
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in the United Kingdom and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. The garden was established by Henry Danvers in 1621 as a physic garden, which grew plants for medicinal research. Today it contains over 6,000 different plant species on 1.8 hectares (4-1/2 acres).
The garden is located near Magdalen College and the River Cherwell, a short walk from the Oxford city centre.
What to Expect
In addition to some of the original beds of herbs and medicinal plants inside the old Walled Garden, the garden boasts a rock garden, a stunning herbaceous border, and a bog garden in the lower part of the garden. The garden also has a group of seven glasshouses containing palms, tropical lilies, Alpine plants, ferns, carnivorous plants, and Arid zone plants.
My Favourites
The Walled Garden
To be honest, when I visited the garden in late September many of the beds inside the old Walled Garden were past their summer prime. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the collection of specimen trees – both old and new additions.
For example, the towering Taxus baccata (English yew) just inside one of the southern gates to the Walled Garden was planted nearly 375 years ago. There’s nothing like a stately old tree to make one feel humble and young!
A comparatively newcomer to the Walled Garden is the evergreen conifer, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ (weeping Nootka cypress). I was drawn to the spreading branches of the weeping, pyramidal tree that swept upwards at their tips.
Finally, the peeling, papery bark of the Acer griseum (paper bark maple) never fails to catch my eye. The one inside the Walled Garden was no exception.
Plants that Changed the World
Just outside the southern perimeter of the Walled Garden is the ‘Plants that Changed the World’ bed. The colourful mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowering plants delights the senses.
In fact, I spent most of my time exploring the Lower Garden, which was full of flower beds brimming with bright autumnal coloured flowers. It was truly stunning!
The Herbaceous Border
The spectacular Herbaceous Border at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden is simply world class. It’s an inspiration to the new generation of botanists graduating from this storied university.
The Glasshouses
The collection of glasshouses along the banks of the River Cherwell contain some gorgeous plants from climates afar. Some of my favourites were the water lilies in the Lily House and the decorative banana and ginger plants of the Palm House.
An Afternoon to Remember
An afternoon at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden is one you’ll remember. It’s one of Global Garden Lab’s all-time favourite botanic gardens. So, if you get the chance to visit, jump at it. It’s the head of its class!
PLAN A VISIT
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Rose Lane
Oxford, Oxfordshire
England OX1 4AZ
Telephone: +44 (0)1865 286 690
University of Oxford Botanic Garden Opening Hours:
November to February: daily 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
March and April: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
May to August: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
September and October: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Consult the University of Oxford Botanic Garden website for additional information.
Tickets:
£5.45 (£6.00 + gift aid) for adults; free for children under 16 when accompanied by a paying family member.
Getting There:
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is located at Rose and High Streets on the banks of the River Cherwell near Magdalen College. Google Maps
It is an easy walk from the town centre and a good 30-minute walk from the Oxford Station. Please note that there is no car parking onsite.
Interested in Global Garden Lab’s other inspiration gardens? Check out our Map of Inspiration Gardens.
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