University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Hi Everyone, 

Last week I had the pleasure of being able to visit the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. In the centre of Oxford it is fairly easy to find as it is it well signposted and the website gives accurate information on the best way to get to the garden via car and public transport.

https://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/

I was very fortunate that day as the sun was shining brilliantly and the temperature felt almost Mediterranean. With the beautiful sunshine though came the inevitable need for sun cream and ice lollies. Upon arrival I was greeted by two polite and friendly members of staff who as I paid for my admission charge - a very reasonable £5- gave me a map and pointed me in the direction of the small coffee stall beside the canal. With coffee cup in hand I found my way to the small conservatory and glasshouses.

Although small, these glasshouses have an excellent range of well-cared for plants showcasing  favourites such as Begonias, Fuchsias and Pelargoniums as well as many others. The glasshouses have been split off into sections such as the Palm house, the Succulent house and the Carnivorous house allowing visitors to appreciate plant diversity at its best.

Begonia sp. in the conservatory.

The glasshouses led me out into a new area of the garden focusing on medicinal and culinary herbs. The elongated rectangular beds were vibrant with colour, and recognisable plants such as Runner Beans and Lavandula were dotted throughout the display. 

Set against a wall, the herbaceous border was in full swing and stole the show with it's towering perennials and bursts of colour.

The herbaceous border in late August at Oxford Botanic Garden.

Although the herbaceous border was indeed spectacular, my favourite area of the garden was the grass borders reminiscent of Piet Oudolf's designs.These grasses had thrown up golden seed heads while purple Echinacea and blue Echinops captured my attention with their flashes of cool colours as I followed the flowing paths through and around the borders.

Grass wildlife borders.

I really enjoyed my visit to University of Oxford Botanic Garden and I would highly recommend that if anyone is in the area then they schedule in part of their day to visit.  


Thanks for taking the time to read my post.
Curiously Muddy.