Virtual visit

Welcome to the Botanical Garden

The Ghent University Botanical Garden is situated along the southern border of the Citadel Park. It has occupied its current location since 1902. More than 10 000 plant species are grown on a surface of 2.75 ha. This includes 4 000 sq. m. of greenhouses.

The large pond dominates the landscape in the vicinity of the garden’s entrance.

Along its border you’ll find one of our champions, the Umbrella pine (Pinus pinea).

Learning while walking

The species-rich systematic collections reflect the longstanding connection between the Botanical Garden and the University. The many known or unknown flowering plants will no doubt be a source of new and bright ideas for your own garden.

All kinds of mountain jewels spring up along the narrow winding pathways of the rock garden.

An oasis of peace and quiet

The arboretum was extensively reorganised in 2004. The tree and shrub plantation is now arranged in three phytogeographical regions: the Asian, the American and the European forests. Enjoy a captivating walk or take a break on a bench underneath the weeping beech.

Looking for yellow tomatoes, striped beans or other tasteful legumes? Pop over and have a look in our vegetable garden. A must for the youngsters!
Nearby is the small pond. It is set in a romantic scenery and hosts a nice terrace with a bench. The Japanese endemic Betula apoiensis and other Asian delicacies provide the Far Eastern touch.

Sunlovers

Beyond the Palmarium members of the Drosera society created a small bog-and-fen patch. This is where sundew and other carnivorous plants wait for their prey.

During summer the air in the succulent greenhouse heats up considerably. This encourages many an old cactus and other succulents to flower abundantly. Water stored in the swollen stems and/or leaves helps them to survive under these extremely dry conditions.

The Mediterranean garden is surrounded by large glasshouses with whitened sides. It lies in a sun-exposed position, well protected from easterly and northerly winds. Semi hardy or tender plants may be covered in winter.

In the tropics

The impressive Victoria greenhouse houses several well-known ‘economic’ plants such as coffee, cacao, papaya and rice. The flowering giant waterlelies offer a particularly breathtaking display.

When entering the subtropical greenhouse the cool Mediterranean climate and the nice smell always come as a surprise. Descending the steps, you enter the undergrowth of a tropical wood. With a stroke of luck you’ll even see ripening bananas.