PHOTOGRAPHED DURING MY MAY 2017 VISIT
The Botanic Gardens in Belfast in 2017:
In 2017, the Botanic Gardens in Belfast were a vibrant and popular destination, offering visitors a mix of historical charm, botanical beauty, and cultural experiences. Key features like the Palm House, with its diverse collection of tropical plants, and the Ulster Museum, showcasing art, history, and natural sciences, continued to attract both locals and tourists.
Special Events and Developments in 2017:
While the Tropical Ravine was not yet open to the public in 2017, its restoration was a significant development that year. The project, which aimed to revitalise the historic ravine and its unique plant collection, was nearing completion. Anticipation was building for its eventual reopening in 2018.
Beyond the restoration project, 2017 likely saw the Botanic Gardens hosting its usual array of seasonal events and activities. These may have included:
Rose Week: A celebration of the gardens' extensive rose collection, potentially featuring guided tours, educational talks, and special displays.
Music and cultural events: The gardens often host concerts, festivals, and performances throughout the year, providing entertainment for diverse audiences.
Educational programs: Workshops, lectures, and guided tours on various botanical and horticultural topics likely continued in 2017, catering to both adults and children.
Changes since 2017:
The most significant change since 2017 has been the reopening of the Tropical Ravine in 2018. The extensive restoration has transformed the ravine into a state-of-the-art attraction, enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring the preservation of its unique plant collection.
History/Purpose of the Gardens:
Established in 1828, the Botanic Gardens in Belfast have a rich history. Initially a private garden for the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society, they were opened to the public in 1895. The gardens were designed to showcase a diverse range of plant species, with a focus on tropical plants housed in the iconic Palm House and Tropical Ravine. They serve as a valuable community resource, offering a place for relaxation, recreation, education, and cultural events.
Differences from the Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin:
While both gardens share the goal of plant conservation and education, there are notable differences:
Size: Glasnevin is considerably larger, offering more extensive grounds and a wider range of plant collections.
Collections: Glasnevin boasts more specialised collections, including an arboretum, rose garden, and rock garden. Belfast's collections focus on tropical plants and those with historical significance to the city.
Architecture: Both gardens feature iconic glasshouses, but Glasnevin has a greater variety, including the Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House.
Research: Glasnevin plays a more active role in botanical research and conservation, housing the National Herbarium.
Both gardens offer unique experiences and contribute to the cultural and educational landscape of their respective cities.
In 2017, the Botanic Gardens in Belfast were a vibrant and popular destination, offering visitors a mix of historical charm, botanical beauty, and cultural experiences. Key features like the Palm House, with its diverse collection of tropical plants, and the Ulster Museum, showcasing art, history, and natural sciences, continued to attract both locals and tourists.
Special Events and Developments in 2017:
While the Tropical Ravine was not yet open to the public in 2017, its restoration was a significant development that year. The project, which aimed to revitalise the historic ravine and its unique plant collection, was nearing completion. Anticipation was building for its eventual reopening in 2018.
Beyond the restoration project, 2017 likely saw the Botanic Gardens hosting its usual array of seasonal events and activities. These may have included:
Rose Week: A celebration of the gardens' extensive rose collection, potentially featuring guided tours, educational talks, and special displays.
Music and cultural events: The gardens often host concerts, festivals, and performances throughout the year, providing entertainment for diverse audiences.
Educational programs: Workshops, lectures, and guided tours on various botanical and horticultural topics likely continued in 2017, catering to both adults and children.
Changes since 2017:
The most significant change since 2017 has been the reopening of the Tropical Ravine in 2018. The extensive restoration has transformed the ravine into a state-of-the-art attraction, enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring the preservation of its unique plant collection.
History/Purpose of the Gardens:
Established in 1828, the Botanic Gardens in Belfast have a rich history. Initially a private garden for the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society, they were opened to the public in 1895. The gardens were designed to showcase a diverse range of plant species, with a focus on tropical plants housed in the iconic Palm House and Tropical Ravine. They serve as a valuable community resource, offering a place for relaxation, recreation, education, and cultural events.
Differences from the Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin:
While both gardens share the goal of plant conservation and education, there are notable differences:
Size: Glasnevin is considerably larger, offering more extensive grounds and a wider range of plant collections.
Collections: Glasnevin boasts more specialised collections, including an arboretum, rose garden, and rock garden. Belfast's collections focus on tropical plants and those with historical significance to the city.
Architecture: Both gardens feature iconic glasshouses, but Glasnevin has a greater variety, including the Curvilinear Range and the Great Palm House.
Research: Glasnevin plays a more active role in botanical research and conservation, housing the National Herbarium.
Both gardens offer unique experiences and contribute to the cultural and educational landscape of their respective cities.
PHOTOGRAPHED DURING MY MAY 2017 VISIT