Away from the main tourist area of Amsterdam, in the east of the city, is the tranquil oasis of the Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden). It is open daily from 10am – 5pm and tickets can be bought in advance online, although this is not essential.
The garden was established in 1638 and is one of the oldest in the world. It was originally a herbal garden for doctors and apothecaries. There are now about 4,000 species of plants at the Hortus.
The Palm House is the oldest greenhouse in the garden, built in 1912. It has a beautiful domed roof and many of the plants are displayed in attractive barrels of different sizes. I particularly liked the Licuri palm (Syagrus coronata) with a trail of Pelargonium peltatum ‘Villetta White’ at its base.
A more modern addition to the garden is the Climate House with energy-efficient heating, a special roof material that allows for adjustable insulation that can block or trap heat, and insulating glass walls. There are three areas – Tropical, Desert and Cape:
Many of the plants had flowers and fruits, such as the breadfruit and the rattlesnake plant.
Outside in the main garden a bed of dahlias provided some vivid colours still going strong in October. It is impossible to choose one as an example so I have chosen two – D. ‘Bright Eyes’ and D. ‘Sunshine’. Other displays that caught my eye were a dark tunnel of Simon bamboo and a bed of carnivorous plants.
A lovely way to spend a couple of hours if you have had your fill of art galleries and canals. And don’t forget a stop at the café where you can have a hot mug of fresh ginger tea!
Carolyn
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Charlton and Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society 
Truly excellent report, beautifully presented with great photos.
Thank you Carolyn.
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