25 Apr 2014
Another chance to visit the delightful Cambridge University Botanic Garden, but this time in early June.
The Botanic Garden was established as a University teaching and research resource by Prof John Stevens Henslow, and was opened to the public in 1846. Henslow, who inspired his pupil Charles Darwin with a love of natural science, recognised the need to study plants in their own right.
He was convinced that trees were the most important plants in the world and these form the framework of the garden.
With a framework of mature trees and shrubs, this paradise of plants comprises diverse, superbly landscaped settings including: the rock garden, representing the alpine plants from the mountains of every continent; the lake and water garden, teeming with bird life; tropical rainforest, the alpine house and seasonal displays in the glasshouses; and the historic systematic beds, displaying 1600 hardy representatives of more than 80 families of flowering plants.
We will also be following the new 'chemicals from plants' trail which includes acetylsalicylic acid, alpha/beta-pinene, beta-carotene, sparteine, coumarin, diallyl disulphide, formic acid and iosadhumulone (more information).
Come and meet a descendant of Newton's famous apple tree - and your local RSC and SCI committees.
See the garden website for general information, directions and map. We are meeting at the Brookside Gate entrance. Tickets must be reserved before the event.
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