Durban Botanic Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden located in the heart of Durban, South Africa. Established in December of 1849, it is the oldest surviving botanical garden on the African continent, and its 15-hectare property offers visitors a breathtaking array of flora and fauna.
The garden is not just a beautiful place to visit, but also plays a significant role in research, conservation, and education. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of the Durban Botanic Gardens, and what visitors can expect to see when they visit.
History of Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens was established in 1849 by Dr Charles Johnston, who was the first curator. The establishment of Durban Botanic Gardens was a part of Kew Gardens' initiative to establish botanic gardens worldwide. The aim was to introduce economically valuable plants and to provide Kew with new plant specimens for scientific research, but it soon grew into a more extensive collection of exotic plants from around the world.
In the early years, the garden was used as a testing ground for tropical crops such as sugar cane, tea, pineapple and coffee. However, in the early 1900s, the focus shifted to ornamental plants, and the garden began to showcase beautiful flowers and plants from around the world.
Significance of Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens is significant for many reasons. Firstly, it is the oldest surviving botanical garden in Africa and has a rich history that tells the story of the early days of colonization in South Africa.
The garden is home to a wide range of exotic and indigenous plants, some of which are rare and endangered. The gardens play a vital role in conserving these plants and educating the public about the importance of plant conservation.
The Durban Botanic Gardens is also a significant research centre. The garden has a massive collection of plant species, which are used by researchers from around the world to study various aspects of botany.
What to Expect When Visiting Durban Botanic Gardens
The Durban Botanic Gardens offer visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The gardens are open daily, and there is no entry fee, making them accessible to everyone.
Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of plants, including tropical trees, indigenous plants, orchids, cycads, and ferns. There are several themed gardens within the gardens including the popular Orchid House. The Orchid House is a must-see for visitors. It is home to over 3,000 orchids, and it is one of the largest collections of orchids in Africa.
Aside from the plants, there are also several statues and memorials within the gardens that are worth seeing. For example, there is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, who spent time in Durban during his life. There is also a statue of Sir Benjamin Pine, who was a governor of Natal in the late 1800s.
The Durban Botanic Gardens also host several events throughout the year, such as music concerts, plant sales, and art exhibitions. These events offer visitors a chance to experience the gardens in a different way and provide an opportunity to learn more about the plants and their significance.
The area surrounding Durban Botanic Gardens
Durban is a family-friendly area that offers an array of amenities and attractions as well as some highly excellent schools that have families wanting to set roots. Whether you are looking to relocate or invest, Seeff has a wide variety of homes available near Durban Botanic Gardens and other amenities you love. If you would like to know more or simply wish to browse, check out our properties for sale today.