Aarhus - the Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens at Aarhus are just up the way from Den Gamle By. We pay a short visit just before closing time.

The Gardens were opened in 1873 to promote fruit trees and other useful plants. In addition to the extensive grounds there are series of linked Tropical Houses which are home to plants and trees from around the world.

We climb a spiral staircase to a rooftop eyrie above just as the tropical sprays begin to mist the palms. What a beautiful way to end our day here.

fading glory

Dear Sheddists,

when we first moved to Birmingham the Botanical Gardens were one of our very favourite places to visit.  They offered a refuge from the mad busyness of everyday life, a tranquil place in which to draw breath.

Over the years the Botanical Gardens have played a key role in many significant life-events. Our disabled son took early steps to walk on the lawn leading down to the Bandstand, work events were a regular fixture in the Conference Rooms and the Gardens were a place we shared many happy memories with friends as our families grew.

We went back to visit earlier this week and left feeling sad. Everything appeared in a state of neglect and disrepair - borders choked with weeds and unchecked perennials, water-features turned off and drained and the treasured Bandstand with peeling paint.

How sad to witness the fading glory of such an iconic site.