Durban’s oldest institution, the Durban Botanic Gardens, stands as a testament to time. Established in 1849, the Durban Botanic Gardens has been a vital part of Durban’s life. Imagine stepping back in time to when Durban was just a small village.
The Durban Botanic Gardens started as a garden. It was primarily for growing vegetables, fruits and other crops. It has evolved into an important botanical station. It gained recognition for research, plant collection, education, and connecting people with plants.
Inspired by Cape Town’s revival of old Dutch gardens, Durban established its own. Initially, the Durban Botanic Gardens was on the Umgeni River’s south bank. Hippos and crocodiles made it necessary to move the Durban Botanic Gardens. In 1851, it found its home on the Berea forest’s lower slopes. Lions still roamed there then.
The Durban Botanic Gardens served as an agricultural research station. Trials included tea, coffee, and arrowroot. Sugar cane became the most successful crop. This led to the development of the sugar industry in KwaZulu-Natal. Mark McKen, then Curator, played a crucial role. He brought sugar to South Africa.
The Durban Botanic Gardens boasts a wide array of flora and fauna. The 15-hectare property offers a tranquil escape. It is a place of serene, green, cool shady paths. They meander through flowers, plants and trees.
The Durban Botanic Gardens is home to more than 8,000 plants. The Orchid House is a must-see. It is home to over 3,000 orchids. It is one of Africa’s largest orchid collections.
Sculptures and statues dot the garden paths. They bridge the gap between nature and culture. The Garden of the Senses engages all senses. Smell herbs like rosemary and lavender. Feel different textures underfoot. Hear a babbling brook. See blooming flowers in a riot of color.
Look for the cannonball tree. It is an odd tree from Guiana. It has sweet-smelling flowers on its trunk. The Durban Botanic Gardens also has heritage trees. Some were planted over 100 years ago. The oldest jacaranda in the country was planted in 1885. Wood’s Cycads are also present. It is one of the rarest plants in the world. It is the emblem for the Durban Botanic Gardens.
The Durban Botanic Gardens has evolved over time. In 1881, its management shifted to the Durban Botanic Society. The Colonial Herbarium was established in 1882. A new Curator’s House was erected around 1889 or 1890. By 1894, the gardens were linked to town by telephone.
The Durban Botanic Gardens remains a vital asset. It actively contributes to plant conservation and education. The Durban Botanic Gardens Trust supports its key strategic areas. These include biodiversity, culture, and heritage. As you leave, remember the Durban Botanic Gardens. It is a place of beauty, history, and conservation. It connects us to the natural world. It enriches our understanding of plants and their significance.