Oude Hortus, Botanical garden in Utrecht, Netherlands.
The Oude Hortus is a botanical garden in Utrecht that contains several distinct sections, including a cottage garden and a medicinal garden. These areas display different plant species, and multiple greenhouses provide space for delicate or specialized plants.
The garden was founded in 1639 and originally stood in a different location. It moved to its current site at Nieuwgracht in 1723, providing more space for medical students to study healing plants.
The name 'Oude Hortus' means 'Old Garden' and reflects its long connection to the university and botanical learning. Visitors can see how the space remains a teaching environment today, with plants arranged in sections that invite exploration and observation.
The garden is accessible for most of the year and can be explored on foot, with the different sections easily reached. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since pathways and beds are walkable, and take time to examine plants closely in each area.
The garden is home to one of the oldest Ginkgo trees in the Netherlands, which has stood in the same spot for generations. This ancient tree serves as a quiet testament to the site's long past and regularly draws the attention of visitors.
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