Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest in the country, turned 400 years old on the 25th July, 2021. To celebrate, the Garden announced a full year of events and initiatives designed to place a spotlight on the Garden’s world class work over four centuries, and its critical role in the future of botanical science, art and culture.
The Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Baron Patten of Barnes, marked the day by planting a handkerchief tree (Davidia involucrata) in a ceremony commemorative of that performed fifty years ago (1971) by the former University Chancellor and Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan. He said:
“As we commemorate four centuries of botanical science here today, it is tempting to dwell on the past and all this Garden’s great achievements. However, I see this very much as a celebration of the future, and of the botanists who will help shape it. The world’s flora is under threat and it is up to botanical centres of excellence like this one to meet the challenge. I applaud our Garden for everything it is doing to conserve rare and endangered plants and to raise people’s awareness of the importance of plants in helping tackle some of the grand challenges facing our planet. And I’m delighted to contribute in some small part by planting this tree here today.”
In the afternoon, the public were invited into the grounds, to enjoy displays, poetry, music and refreshments. At 2pm, the bells of Magdalen College rang out to mark the precise time when, on the day in 1621, the founding stone was laid, botanical sciences at Oxford began, and an immense source of literary and artistic inspiration for writers such as Lewis Carroll, JRR Tolkien, Evelyn Waugh, Philip Pullman and Colin Dexter was created.
Professor Hiscock said:
“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the 400th anniversary with our visitors, our supporters and the Oxford community. The Botanic Garden is much-loved by Oxford residents and is appreciated now more than ever as people seek to enjoy the wellbeing benefits that beautiful outdoor spaces bring. The Garden has an incredible history, as a place of scientific endeavour and discovery and an inspiration to writers and artists. We hope the anniversary year provides an opportunity for people to discover more about this unique garden and our plans for its future.”