English

The Botanic garden Zuidas houses a very rich plant collection with more than 6.000 species. This small but charming botanical garden contains a greenhouse complex with various climates, a cactus and succulent greenhouse and smaller greenhouses for growing seedlings. The exceptional cactus and succulent greenhouse, houses the largest collection in the Netherlands. Some of these plants are more than 100 years old, or perhaps older.

Through the 40 years of its existence the Botanic garden has built up a large collection of plants, trees and shrubs with natural-historical value. It is open to the public throughout the year, without entrance fee.

The different parts of the garden are very varied. There is a Chinese miniature landscape garden (The Penjing Garden), a Bonsai display and many types of bamboo are spread throughout the garden. There is an extensive collection of Australian trees and shrubs, which overwinter in the Orangerie and are set outside every spring.

Another area of concern for the Botanic garden, are plants that are taken into custody at f.i. Schiphol airport and sent to the Botanic garden to be taken care of. These plants are on the red list of endangered species and, in an ironical twist, may not be transported to other botanical gardens, even not within The Netherlands. They are legally protected and no property of the University. These plants may well be destroyed if the Botanic garden is closed, further reducing the biological diversity of the earth and the chance to examine these plants and their DNA.

 

Other areas in which the Botanic garden is strong

  • Every year the Botanic garden participates in an international seed exchange. Many of these seeds, which with much expertise are collected, cleaned, sorted and packaged, come naturally from the Botanic garden’s own plants for the seed exchange and for sale to visitors
  • Some of the Orangerie plants are over 60- years old
  • There is an extensive collection of epiphytic orchids and bromelia’s
  • The employees and volunteers of the Botanic garden, put much effort in educating and involving children in ‘green’ activities
  • The Botanic garden, provides a natural, restful and inspiring environment in the midst of the University/hospital area, which is mainly comprised of tall buildings, busy roads and mass transit
  • Visitors often come to buy unusual plants not found in the local nurseries, and to learn more about their own plants and gardening
  • The dedicated experts of the Botanic garden also care for the many plants in the University buildings and in the offices of its employees
  • The Botanic garden is a member of the national plant collection, an umbrella organization for all 18 botanical gardens in The Netherlands.
  • Patients, staff and visitors of the hospital are often found enjoying the rich colors and filling their lungs with the sweet smells of the garden. They are very happy to have a garden so close by. It has been shown that plants in the work environment improve worker’s performances and well-being. Why wouldn’t we want to have a ‘green experience’ available for city-dwellers?
  • There are approximately 40 large trees in the garden, ornamental cherry and other fruit trees, the famous handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata), and gingko biloba. etc.
  • The Botanic garden colleagues are supported and supplemented by a large group of dedicated volunteers, people from the city with varying skills and expertise’s. There is also a large group of generous donors who love and support this unique garden in Amsterdam

The Botanic garden has no entrance fee.