The 18th and early 19th centuries were times of global exploration, which resulted in the discovery and introduction to Britain of enormous numbers of new plants from all over the world, including many unknown even to botanists. These novelties aroused such interest among well-to-do middle-class citizens that botanical and horticultural societies were set up all over the country. Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society, which manages the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, was founded in 1829 with an initial subscription capital of £2,000.
The site selected was ‘Holly Bank Farm’, farmed purely for recreation by a successful fire insurance broker on 18 acres of leased land on Lord Calthorpe¹s Estate. The Gardens were designed by J.C. Loudon, a Scotsman who was a leading garden planner, horticultural journalist and publisher. Apart from the glasshouses, the general layout is much the same today as Loudon¹s 1830 plan. Planning and construction took 3 years and the gardens opened to Society members on June 11 1832.
The glasshouses were the subject of discord between the Society and the designer, whose plans for a very large circular house were rejected on financial grounds and replaced by a simpler suite constructed by a local firm. Our vision is for a diverse botanical world that enhances all our lives. Our mission is to support plant biodiversity and an understanding of its importance to the natural environment through conservation, education, engagement, and enjoyment. Help us to protect the rich scientific heritage of Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens and share in our discovery of the botanical world.
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