The Botanical Garden

The botanical garden was established in 1967 for the purpose of education and research for the Biology faculty. The central complex is situated behind the Academic Hospital of VU University Amsterdam and occupies a garden area of about 1 ha as well as about 1000 m2 of glass-houses. One finds a rock-garden and a section with annual, biennial and perennial plants. The garden and glass-houses, including the renowned large tropical glass-house, are freely open to the public an can be reached via the entrance at No. 8 Van der Boechorststraat. Patients of the Vrije Universiteit Hospital also have very convenient, direct access to the Botanical garden. During lunch time this is a favourite place for student and workers from the surrounding faculties. Also it is visited by many plant-lovers from within and outside of Amsterdam.

About the Botanical Garden
During its existence the extensive plant collection has expanded to about 10.000 species. The numerous variations of hardy ferns, cacti and succulents are unique, as well as the extensive collection of carnivorous plants and orchids. With the exception of the hardy ferns and Sempervivums (Houseleek) these can be found in the glass-houses. The garden accommodates an unusual collection of trees and shrubs, many special tub plants and annual, biennial and perennial plants, as well as various plants mentioned in the Bible. The botanical garden is well worth a visit not only during the summer months. Throughout the winter, too, there are many beautiful plants in the glass-houses. Visitors can enjoy the pretty garden by wandering along the many footpaths. There are various resting points with seating eg. 

The collaboration 
There is international collaboration with over 500 Botanical gardens and the VU-Hortus also has contact with numerous Biblical plant gardens world-wide.