Cambridge University Botanic Garden
is a unique 40-acre site housing a living collection of plants for
research and teaching use by the University of Cambridge. Laid out in
1846 to demonstrate relationships between major plant groups, the Garden
today is home to 8,000 species from all around the world, including
2,000 trees which provide year-round interest.


In this guide the
Director, Professor Beverley Glover, introduces the reader to some of
the highlights in the Botanic Garden's collection. These include
majestic trees and beautiful flowers, but also some rare and vulnerable
species that might otherwise escape notice. She sets the scene for the
Garden's foundation and history through its original map, and showcases
some of its modern landscapes and horticultural set pieces. Throughout
the guide she emphasises the enormous role that the Botanic Garden plays
in modern scientific research, and explains some of the key
breakthroughs of recent years.