Step into the world of Meise Botanic Garden. A world teeming with life. A haven for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This sprawling botanical garden boasts an impressive collection. It houses around 18000 plant species. That’s about 6% of all known plant species on Earth. Imagine the sheer diversity.
Meise Botanic Garden didn’t always reside in this tranquil corner of Meise. Its history stretches back to the late 18th century. It began as a garden belonging to the École Centrale. This was during the French rule of Belgium. The City of Brussels later took over. The garden faced challenges. Maintenance costs soared. Private citizens stepped in to form a company to save it.
This wasn’t just a commercial venture. The founders envisioned a national institution. One dedicated to science and botanical study. The garden struggled after Belgium’s independence. It was criticised as elitist. It was deemed irrelevant to agriculture. To survive the garden needed to be useful to the whole country. It started selling thousands of plants. It also added attractions like aquaria and dance halls. It hosted fairs and concerts.
The aging buildings needed renovation. The costs were too high for the company. In 1870 the Belgian Government stepped in. It took over the botanical garden. The National Botanic Garden of Belgium was born. A major milestone was the acquisition of the Von Martius Herbarium from Munich. This greatly enhanced the garden’s collection.
In 1958 the garden moved to its current location. This was the Bouchout Castle domain. The move was a significant undertaking. The Palace of Plants a complex of greenhouses was built. The Victorian Balat Greenhouse was also relocated. This stunning greenhouse was designed in 1853. It was originally located at the Botanical Garden of Brussels.
World War II left its mark. The domain became a German fortress. The garden suffered damage. After the war Allied forces used the area for training. Bombs even damaged parts of the castle. The Meise Botanic Garden overcame this trauma. It is now a testament to resilience.
Today Meise Botanic Garden is a treasure. It’s a place where research flourishes. It contributes to biodiversity conservation. It serves as a vital resource for scientists and the public alike. It’s a place to explore. It’s a place of discovery and wonder. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature. The garden has a significant herbarium of about 4 million specimens. Its mission is to increase and spread knowledge about plants. Research focuses on Belgian and African biodiversity. The Meise Botanic Garden even holds a world-renowned collection of wild bean seeds!