Botanical gardens play a key role in preserving plant diversity, especially of endangered species. They are scientific and research institutions where people accumulate collections of flora with the purpose of its study, cultivation and acclimatisation. These green oases of beautiful landscapes inspire visitors with aesthetic natural surroundings and serve as places for recreation and cultural events. Learn more at birminghamname.
The foundation and current state of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The end of the 18th century was the time of a rising interest in global research and a surge in scientific discoveries. At that time, botanists travelled around the world, discovered new plant species and brought them to Great Britain. That amazing flora aroused the interest of local residents. Botanical and horticultural societies began to be created throughout the country.
Birmingham established its own botanical garden in 1829. Part of Lord Calthorpe’s land at Edgbaston was chosen as its location. The gardens and greenhouses of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens were designed by the Scotsman J. C. Loudon. He was a leading landscape designer of his time, horticultural journalist and publisher. The main goal was to create a unique place with decorative plants, conduct scientific research and grow new types of fruits and vegetables for sale. It had to partially cover the financial spending. The Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society, which managed the Botanical Gardens, had an authorised capital of £2,000. The funds were used to arrange the garden. The costs of plant collections were small. They were mainly donated by other horticulturalists from different parts of the world. For example, 12 boxes of orchids were sent from Brazil and the first seeds were given by the Horticultural Society of London and the Berlin Botanic Garden.
A new oasis with an area of six hectares was presented to the members of the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society in 1832. In the following decades, the garden was constantly landscaped and developed its infrastructure. The general plan of the Botanical Gardens has hardly changed to this day but for new greenhouses. The collection of flora has reached more than 7,000 varieties in the 21st century. The botanical garden has several greenhouses and ornamental gardens. Greenhouses are divided according to the plant characteristics. There are tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean and arid greenhouses. As for gardens, there are Winter, Alpine, Roman, Medieval, Tudor and Stone ones. In 1993, the national bonsai collection was housed in the Botanical Gardens. Its special gem was the 250-year-old Omiya tree.
Unique buildings
A distinctive feature and the garden’s business card is the Victorian-style Tropical House. In 1852, it housed the amazing Victoria amazonica water lily. The residents of Birmingham immediately fell in love with this unusual place. The Subtropical House with orchids, ferns and exotic carnivorous plants was built in 1871 and reconstructed in the 1990s.
In the second half of the 19th century, an octagonal gazebo appeared on the grounds of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It still remains one of the best places for those who want to be alone with nature.
In 1850, Birmingham architect Charles Edge designed the famous Coade stone fountain.
An octagonal iron bandstand for holding cultural events was built in the garden in 1873. It is still used today. It was created by the architect F. Osborn. At the end of the 20th century, the place underwent reconstruction of the greenhouses and park paths as well as acquired some new buildings, including a new aviary.
Public importance
Throughout its history, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens has served a social function as well. It constantly hosted flower exhibitions, theatre and music festivals, weddings and political events. In 1833-1927, exhibitions of overseas plants were held here annually. It was one of the most popular mass events for local residents. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about unknown varieties of vegetables, fruit trees, bushes, flowers and leading gardening methods.
To attract more members to the society, the garden founded one of the first zoological collections in England in 1910. It included monkeys, seals, alligators, pythons and three bears (the cross-eyed one was especially popular). However, after the opening of a city zoo, the management refused to keep the animals. Still, they have preserved the collection of birds, which is represented by azure-winged magpies, Quaker parakeets, mynas, Himalayan monals, Asian tragopans and others. The cockatoo, Jenny, which just can’t shut up entertaining visitors, is a favourite.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens holds theatrical productions and concerts almost every Sunday from early spring to late autumn. It also regularly arranges entertaining interactive events for children. Those activities last the whole day long, so the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is one of the favourite places for children. In addition, it is a must-have location for wedding photo shoots and festive dinners. There are also places for picnics. In 1997, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens officially hosted members of the newly founded Big Eight for the first time.
The Birmingham Botanical Society is not just for “the chosen ones” and anyone willing can become its member. Thus, you need to call or send a letter to the organisation and timely pay the fees. Its members receive a ticket for unlimited visits to the garden throughout the year, except for special events. In addition, the free pass is valid at other partner arboretums and botanic gardens throughout the UK. Of course, members are offered discounts on unique plants, which you can grow at home or present as gifts.
Botanical gardens are a source of emotions and a touch to the very soul of nature. They remind us about the magnificent and diverse world where every flower, bush or tree has a story. Visiting green oases always gives joy, spiritual pleasure and a sense of harmony with the surrounding world.