Did you know this garden emerged from a dream? The Prague Botanical Garden is not just a collection of plants. It’s a testament to vision and perseverance.
Established in 1968 by the Prague National Committee, the Prague Botanical Garden officially opened on January 1, 1969. This was after Ing. Jan Jager proposed a state-owned botanical garden in 1958. He became its first director. Troja was suggested as a location in March 1965.
However, the original Havránka area proved too small. They chose an area north of the Prague Zoo instead. Resolution No. 111 approved the Prague Botanical Garden’s establishment in Troja-Podhoří on April 30, 1968.
Jan Jager, the first director, invited tenders for the garden’s layout. But this proposal was never fully realized. Josef Vyskočil became director in 1973. He transformed the area around the administration building into exposition areas. A large plant-growing garden was established in 1975.
Areas like Podhoří, Salabka, and Havránka became protected in 1982. The entire Prague Botanical Garden was designated as their protective zone. A new development study was prepared in 1984. But the development plan never came to life.
Despite challenges, the Prague Botanical Garden gathered a rich plant collection. It included evergreen woody plants, mini roses, iris hybrids, and wild bulbous plants. The garden was among the first in the country to establish a bonsai collection.
The Prague Botanical Garden finally opened to the public in 1989. This was due to a lack of finance and long discussions. Until 1992, it was only open during special Open Days. Many people in Prague were unaware of its existence.
After 1989, Evžen Pechman became director. He opened the Prague Botanical Garden to the public in August 1992. The first exposition was a park-like area near St. Claire’s Vineyard. This marked a turning point, bringing the garden to the attention of Prague’s residents.
In 1997, the expositions expanded. The Japanese Garden, moorland, Turkish flora, and iris collection opened. Jiří R. Haager conceived the idea for tropical greenhouses. Architect Zdeněk Deyl won the competition for the best project.
The Fata Morgana Greenhouse construction took longer than expected. It finally opened to the public in June 2004. The naturally rugged rock surface forms the back wall of the greenhouse. The interior divides into three parts. Each has different temperature and humidity levels.
The Prague Botanical Garden acquired St. Claire’s Vineyard in 1995. It’s classified as a national heritage. The vineyard has been repaired since 1996. Since 2005, the vineyard has been open all year round.
In 2011, the outdoor expositions merged into one unit. Now, visitors can explore a large outdoor space with many plants. The outdoor expositions cover almost 25 hectares and are open all year round.
The Prague Botanical Garden also features the Ornamental Garden and the Japanese Garden. The Hillside displays original steppe communities. The Peony Meadow boasts a large peony and magnolia collection. The Shade-loving Perennials and Evergreen Woody Plants exposition showcases forest plants. The North American Semidesert exposition presents cold-hardy cacti. Wetlands and ponds teem with aquatic plants and local frogs. The Forest Habitats of East Asia and North America are gradually being planted with woody plants.
Enjoy great local Prague wine. The Prague Botanical Garden offers a tranquil escape. It provides a unique blend of nature, education, and relaxation.