Paris, the city of love and romance, is also home to some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. One such garden that stands out for its beauty and grandeur is the Jardin des Plantes or the Botanical Garden in Paris.
History of Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes was established in 1626 by Louis XIII as a medicinal herb garden. Over time, it evolved into a research center for natural sciences and was opened to the public in 1793. The garden was expanded during the French Revolution to include a menagerie and a museum that showcased collections of animals and plants.
Layout of Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes spans over 28 hectares and is divided into several sections, each with its own unique attractions. The gardens are home to over 4500 plant species, including rare and endangered species.
One of the highlights of Jardin des Plantes is its Alpine Garden. This section features a wide variety of alpine plants from around the world displayed in a naturalistic setting. Another popular section is the Rose Garden that boasts over 10,000 rose bushes with dazzling displays of colors and fragrances.
The Botanical Garden also houses several greenhouses such as the Mexican greenhouse, which showcases cacti and succulents from Mexico, and the Australian greenhouse that features exotic plants from down under.
Research at Jardin des Plantes
Apart from being a popular tourist attraction, Jardin des Plantes is also an important research center for natural sciences. It houses several research departments such as botany, entomology, mineralogy, and zoology. Researchers at these departments study plant and animal life forms from around the world with an aim to better understand their biology and ecology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jardin des Plantes is not just a beautiful garden but also an important center for research and conservation of natural resources. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of plant life from around the world. If you’re ever in Paris, be sure to add this garden to your must-visit list.