Botanical Garden: In the Rhythm of Nature
The Botanical Garden, located in the city centre, is a true treasure trove of plants from the region, but also from the entire world. At one moment, it is a respite, at another a shelter from the heat, but it is always a pleasure and a place where to learn about nature.
If you go on a leisurely walk from the central square in Zagreb along the string of parks of the so-called Lenuci or Green Horseshoe, you will arrive at the Botanical Garden, a true treasure trove of the plants from our region and the entire world. After the winter hibernation, the Botanical Garden is again open for visitors as of late-February. In the garden a carpet made od spring flowers clearly shows, even before the calendar confirms it, that spring has arrived! Spring flowers will blossom in the Botanical Garden of the Biology Department of the Faculty of Science in Zagreb until May.
Experts of the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science continuously tend to flora, habitat conservation and renovation and maintenance of facilities for cultivation and care of plants and the entire area of the garden. All the plants are marked with name plates in Latin, which also contain plant folk name and origin. One of this year’s novelties is that after several-year-long break, visitors will have a chance to see the garden’s rich collection of succulents.
The garden is protected by law as a monument of park architecture. It covers the total surface of 4.7 hectares, most of which is occupied by the arboretum designed in a landscape or so-called English style. It was established in 1889 and its basic concept has not been altered since, which is seen as a very valuable feature.
The idea of establishing a botanical garden was initiated by Professor Bohuslav Jiruš, the first professor of botany at the University of Zagreb. Professor Antun Heinz, brought this idea to life in 1889. Before the construction works started, a tour of the European botanical gardens was made so the garden in Zagreb was designed based on their model with the help of head gardener Vítězslav Durchánek. The construction started in 1890, and the first planting took place in 1892. During that period, a greenhouse, the gardener’s house, the exhibition pavilions, public restroom, two artificial ponds and a fountain with irrigation pools were built. In the early 20th century, the garden was already rich in species, aesthetically well-designed and carefully maintained. Today, a guided tour of the garden is available with prior notice.
A respite from the tour of the city's sights, a shelter from the heat accompanied by spectacular views, a pleasure of getting to know at least a part of lush botanical world. At the Botanical Garden, every new day offers a new, relaxing and inspirational scenography.