Today there are 1 775 botanic gardens around the world forging the way in conservation efforts
and scientific research but the roots of these horticultural institutions are much older. From
early blueprints such as the 4th century BC garden of Aristotle the first true botanic gardens
are generally considered to be the Garden of the University of Padua established in 1543.
Designed as spaces of study and research botanic gardens are where the lavish beauty of the
natural world collides with cutting-edge scientific developments. Throughout history the role
of botanic gardens has shifted according to the context of the time from primarily places of
medical research to key theaters in the age of exploration and more recently with a focus on
conservation in the face of the escalating climate challenges. From the Renaissance gardens
of Italy to the futuristic Singapore Botanic Gardens this gorgeous book tells the story of
these unique institutions. It is a history of science and learning of politics and national
interests of societal concerns and individual passions. But most of all it is a compelling
history of the power and possibility of the natural world that we are still merely scratching
the surface of.
