Planned closure of the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam

6 Jun 2010

Sad news that the Hortus Botanicus of VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is threatened with closure by the University’s Executive Board. It is likely the land will be used to build upon and it is possible that the garden garden will have nowhere to move to.

The VU Hortus houses a very rich plant collection with more than 6000 species. This small but charming botanical garden contains a greenhouse complex with various climates, under which a tropical greenhouse, a sub-tropical greenhouse, an orangerie, 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 100 years old, or perhaps older. Another part of the VU Hortus greenhouse complex is intended for university students and their experiments.

Through the 40 years of its existence the VU Hortus 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. In summer, from May till October, even on Saturdays.

This would be a tragic loss and thankfully concerned people have started a website with more information about the garden and an online petition to try and save it.

Please take a look at th site and consider supporting the petition to preserve this wonderful garden and plant resource.

http://www.actievuhortus.nl



View of the Hortus greenhouse
View of the Hortus greenhouse

One of its oldest Cycad residents
One of its oldest Cycad residents

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