Hortus Botanicus
Segment: Hortus Botanicus
Episode: 13
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
TX Date: 16th May 2020
Amsterdam’s Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest gardens in Europe, and is a must-stop on your next Viking cruise through Europe.
- The Hortus Botanicus is a green oasis in the middle of the city. It’s made up of an outdoor garden, as well as 5 greenhouses, all with various climates and collections.
- When the garden was founded in 1638, medicinal plants made up the core of the collection, which was used for the education of doctors & pharmacists.
- In 1646, over 796 species of plants could be found in the garden, and this number has steadily risen over the years.
- The Three Climate Greenhouse was designed back in 2003 as a huge, ultramodern construction. There are three different zones with three distinct climates, representing the subtropics, the tropics and the desert.
- There are various routes through the greenhouse, with the canopy walk going directly from the subtropics into the tropics. The bridge offers a great view of the plants, which are impressive when you consider Holland’s freezing temperatures.
- The toxic tobacco plant is a great way to control pests in the garden. Cigarettes are made using the dried leaves.
- The Hortus Botanicus is open each day from 10-5.
