Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
When the Hortus Botanicus was established in 1682, it was intended to be a garden of exotic medicinal herbs which had been carried to Amsterdam by the East India Trading Company from their distant native lands. The garden still occupies its original location, although it has grown considerably over the years. The Semicircle is a reconstruction of the original garden layout. Soon after opening, ornamental plants began to be added to the collection.

The ships of the East India Company not only brought useful and edible plants such as herbs, spices and delicacies from faraway countries, but also extraordinary, exotic, ornamental plants. Today, the collection includes over 8000 species of plants from all over the globe; including the oldest potted plant in the world. Plants, gardens and greenhouses are laid out according to geographical regions and plant types. Other settings include rock-garden, a pond, an herb garden, a rose garden and a number of ornamental trees.

Click here for the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam website