Garden of Plants (Jardin des Plantes)

The Garden of Plants in Paris, known as Jardin des Plantes, is one of the oldest and most fascinating botanical gardens in the world. Founded in 1626 and opened to the public in 1640, the garden covers 28 hectares in the fifth arrondissement, along the left bank of the Seine, and represents a place of extraordinary beauty and scientific, historical, and cultural importance. The creation of the Garden of Plants was commissioned by Louis XIII, with the aim of promoting the knowledge of medicinal plants. The garden was initially called Jardin royal des plantes médicinales and was intended to provide healing herbs to the royal court. The king’s physician, Guy de La Brosse, was tasked with its design and management. La Brosse introduced a wide range of plants from different parts of the world into the garden, turning it into a center for botanical research and experimentation. Over the centuries, the Garden of Plants has undergone numerous transformations and expansions. During the French Revolution, in 1793, the garden became part of the National Museum of Natural History (Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle), a scientifically important institution. This integration solidified the garden’s role as a center for scientific research and education, contributing to the development of natural sciences in France and around the world. One of the most fascinating features of the Garden of Plants is its extraordinary collection of plants. The garden hosts thousands of different botanical species, organized in themed beds representing various ecosystems and regions of the world. Among the most notable areas are the alpine garden, with plants from European, Asian, and American mountains, and the peony garden, famous for its spectacular spring bloom. The garden also houses several monumental trees, some of which were planted in the 18th century. Among these, the famous cedar of Lebanon stands out, planted in 1734 by the botanist Bernard de Jussieu. This centuries-old tree has become a symbol of the garden and represents the long history of botanical conservation and study that characterizes the Jardin des Plantes. In addition to its botanical collections, the Garden of Plants is home to important educational and museum structures. Among these is the Grande Serre (Large Greenhouse), a series of historic greenhouses built in the 19th century that house tropical and subtropical plants. The greenhouses offer visitors a journey through different climates and environments, allowing them to admire exotic and rare plants in a fascinating setting. The garden also hosts several museum galleries, including the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, a museum dedicated to the history of life on Earth. The gallery features spectacular exhibitions illustrating the evolution of species and the diversity of animal and plant life. Other museums in the garden include the Museum of Mineralogy, with a vast collection of minerals and gems, and the Museum of Paleontology, which houses fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. From a historical and social perspective, the Garden of Plants has played a crucial role in the dissemination of scientific knowledge and the promotion of environmental conservation. During the Napoleonic period, the garden became a center for collecting and studying exotic plants brought back from scientific and military expeditions. This expansion of botanical collections significantly contributed to the understanding of global biodiversity and the interrelationships between ecosystems. An interesting anecdote involves the involvement of the Garden of Plants in the discovery and study of Australian flora. In 1800, the French naturalist Nicolas Baudin undertook a scientific expedition to Australia, collecting thousands of botanical specimens that were later studied and classified at the Jardin des Plantes. This expedition not only enriched the garden’s collections but also contributed to the knowledge of Australian flora and the scientific relations between France and Australia.