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We were treated at our March meeting to a talk Louisa Allen on the History of the Botanical Gardens She explained that in 1621, after a gift of money to Christchurch College, a physic garden was to be set up in what was then the Jewish Cemetery outside the city walls.
The main entrance archway was built leaving no money for the rest of the endeavour but in 1642 the first head gardener was appointed. Trees and plants were brought from far and wide and plants exchanged between gardens throughout the world, a practice that is still carried on today.
The oldest [plant is the English Yew which stands near the entrance and was one of those planted in the 17th century. A Black Pine was planted in 1800 having been sent home from abroad.
The present layout was begun towards the end of the 19th century although there have been many changes, including the bog garden, since then. Towards the end of the last century the arboretum at Nuneham Courtenay was taken over and provides an outstanding addition to the department.
The gardens as a whole are, of course, part of the university teaching resources and as such are used by undergraduates studying plants. They are also used as an educational resource by schools in the district as well as a place for exhibitions and tours. Many people find them a place to just relax and enjoy nature.
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