A haven, so Close to Oxford’s busiest streets
As you walk around the entrance rose garden it’s hard to believe that you are only a few metres from one of Oxford’s busiest streets. Once through the stone archway entrance you are seemingly in a World far away from the city – a scaled back but more exquisite ‘Eden project’ awaits you.
There is peace, quiet and utter tranquility. The gardens border the Cherwell River and it’s fun to watch the occasional punts too.
There are some 5000 plant species growing here, many grown in greenhouses. There are 7: Plants from High Places, The Conservatory View, The Cloud Forest, The Water Lily House, Carnivorous Plant House, Rainforest House, The Arid House. Unfortunately, until near the end of November, some are closed due to the pandemic, including the tropical greenhouse filled with huge palms, giant bananas, pineapple and papaya – I really want to see these! It’s these heated greenhouses that really fascinate me and I did experience walking around the massive expanse of greenery in a thunder storm. If you like big plants you’ll love these, especially the head height hanging pitcher plants which visitors delight in emptying! (Photographed)
Leaves strong enough to hold a small child
The water lilies are one of my favourites of the open greenhouses and the displays at Oxford Botanical Gardens are stunning, the best I’ve seen. The huge pond is raised up so it makes for good viewing and great photo opportunities. The giant water lilies photographed were grown from seed earlier this year. Leaves can reach 2.3 metres across and are strong enough to hold a small child! Flowers appear in the evening, on the first night they open white with a scent of pineapple which attracts beetles. The beetle become trapped in the flower when it closes at night. On the 2nd evening the flowers open male and are a purplish red and the beetle is then released covered in pollen which they take to the next white flower.
Post the rain storm I wandered around the walled outdoor gardens, and through the pathways of wildflowers. It was enchanting. The more formal gardens are laid out in beds of families of flowers.
Oxford Botanical Gardens was established in 1621, the first of its kind. The gardens are used for teaching medical students (the medicinal plants are fascinating) research and conservation and are part of the Oxford University Estate.
I’ll definitely be back for another visit when all seven greenhouses are open…
Entrance £5.00 adult, children go free.
By Dianne Parkes
Open every day throughout the year except for Christmas closure – 25 December to 31 December (inclusive).
Opening Hours
March to June: Daily, 10am to 5pm. Last admission 4pm.
July to August: Daily, 10am to 6pm. Last admission 5pm.
September and October: Daily, 10am to 5pm. Last admission 4pm.
November to February: Daily, 10am to 4pm. Last admission 3pm.
