University Botanic Gardens Ljubljana

Contact

Botanični vrt Univerze v Ljubljani

Ižanska 15, SI-1000 Ljubljana

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

botanicni.vrt@siol.net

Phone386 (0) 1 427 1280

Founded byUniversity of Ljubljana

Managed byBiotechnical Faculty

Jože Bavcon, Head

joze.bavcon@guest.arnes.si

The Universtiy Botanic Gardens were founded in 1810 during the ruling of the Illyrian Provinces. In 2010 the garden celebrated its 200th anniversary and today, after two centuries of its continuous existence, the garden is managed by the University of Ljubljana. The gardens with three units spread over the central Ljubljana represent one of the oldest botanic gardens in South-East Europe, with more than 4,500 different native and outlandish plants. The largest unit, the arboretum near Ižanska cesta, is an relaxing resort for nature lovers, tourists or researchers.

Mission and purposes

The original garden was established and designed by Franc Hladnik, the first head of the Botanic Gardens. Since that time it is considered as one of the oldest cultural, educational and scientific institution in Slovenia. The aim of the institution is to present, preserve and research individual plants and plant systems, from native to tropical habitats.

In the recent years there were about 50,000 visitors and groups per year. The guided tours with an expert are offered for individual visitors or groups. Especially during the spring and summer months different workshops and public lectures are being organised. The venue is also known for hosting the gardening TV show of the morning programme of the Radio-Television Slovenia (RTV Slovenia). In order to keep the memories about the life in the old days in Ljubljana alive, the project My Streets [Moje ulice] was launched and for a period of time also aired on the Radio Študent (RŠ). The talks with the charismatic senior citizens about their life in the city reflected the changes with the help of stories and urban legends, which are connecting different generations.

International cooperation

The Botanical Garden is a member of the international network Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and cooperates with several botanical gardens from abroad. The Garden was also presented in the book Botanic Gardens: A Living History, a guide to the botanic gardens published and edited by Nadine Monem.

See also

• Arboretum Volčji Potok
• Tivoli Mansion

External links

• University Botanic Gardens Ljubljana website
• Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) website