University Botanic Gardens Ljubljana

Contact

Botanični vrt Univerze v Ljubljani

Ižanska 15, SI-1000 Ljubljana

http://www.botanicni-vrt.si/

info@botanicni-vrt.si

Phone386 (0) 1 427 1280

Founded byUniversity of Ljubljana

Managed byBiotechnical Faculty

The University Botanic Gardens were founded in 1810 during the time of the Illyrian Provinces and is the oldest Slovene cultural, scientific and educational institution. Today the gardens are managed as an Infrastructure Research Centre by the Biology Department of the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. With three sites spread around central Ljubljana, they represent one of the oldest botanic gardens in South-East Europe, featuring more than 4,500 different native and non-native plants. The largest site, the arboretum near Ižanska cesta, is a relaxing oasis for nature lovers, tourists, or researchers. In commemoration of their 200th anniversary, the Botanic Gardens were featured on the Slovene 2-euro coin minted in 2010. In 2008 the Botanic Garden was declared a cultural monument of national importance.

Mission and programme

The original gardens were established and designed by Franc Hladnik, who was the first superintendent. They are now considered one of the oldest cultural, educational and scientific institutions in Slovenia. Their aim is to present, preserve and research individual plants and plant systems, from native to tropical habitats.

In recent years there have been about 50,000 visitors annually. Tours conducted by expert guides are available for individuals or groups. During spring and summer months different workshops and public lectures are organised. A TV gardening show on the morning programme of Radio-Television Slovenia (RTV Slovenia) is also filmed at the gardens. In order to preserve the memories of living in Ljubljana in the past, the project My Streets [Moje ulice] was launched, and for a period of time also aired on Radio Študent (RŠ). Held at the Botanic Gardens, interviews with charismatic senior citizens about their life in the city reflect the changes, and, through stories and urban legends, form a link between different generations.

International cooperation

The Botanic Gardens is a member of the international network Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), and cooperates with similar institutions abroad. The gardens were also featured in the book Botanic Gardens: A Living History, a guide to botanic gardens, published and edited by Nadine Monem (2007).

See also

• University of Ljubljana
• Arboretum Volčji Potok
• Tivoli Mansion
• Divja misel Institute

External links

• University Botanic Gardens Ljubljana website
• Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) website
• My Streets website (in Slovenian)
• Biology Department web page at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana