Our mission
The Linnaean Gardens of Uppsala’s mission includes exhibiting a well-managed and clearly labelled plant collection that is documented in a globally accessible database. The composition and arrangement of the plant collection at Linnaeus’ Hammarby and the Linnaeus Garden, aim to reflect their historic value. The Botanical Garden should primarily grow plants from natural populations, of use for teaching within the University’s courses, and for educational actities for preschools and schools. Careful labelling of all plants facilitates the use for teachers and researchers.
International seed exchange
The rich variety of the plant collection is maintained through international exchange of seeds and donations of plant material from research expeditions. The latter source means that the plant collection also reflects current research at Uppsala University. An additional important role for the gardens is in the preservation of biological diversity.
Cultural heritage and destinations
The more than 9,000 species of plants are for the enjoyment and benefit of everyone, including interested members of the public. The Linnaean Gardens are an important destinations for Uppsala residents and visitors, who are attracted by exhibitions, guided tours and special events.
The Linnaean Gardens of Uppsala is a historically important part of Uppsala University. Preserving of the scientific heritage of Carl Linnaeus and his successor Carl Peter Thunberg is a vital mission for the Gardens.
Research
The gardens provide plant material (seeds, plants and plant parts) that is needed for research projects at various departments. Researchers can also grow their own research material, both outdoors and in a research glasshouse.
It is not just botanists who use the gardens – earwig catching, studies of hoverflies, and psychology research also occurs here.
Education
Students in the Linnaean Gardens
About a thousand students from both Uppsala University and the Swedish Agricultural University visit The Botanical Garden each year as part of their courses. The students may be learning about botany, pharmacology, historically significant plants or ecology, with a view to becoming natural scientists, apothecaries, agronomists, foresters or landscape architects. The garden is also much frequented by schools and preschools.
Of course, you do not need to be studying to visit The Botanical Garden. Why not sunbathe, play boule, revise, or just sit under a tree and enjoy the view, scents, and sounds?