Growing Together: The Community-Centric Future of Botanic Gardens

This was originally written in 2023 for a Living Collections course at Johns Hopkins University.

The year is 2050. Botanic Gardens have stepped up in their communities to provide a third place: a safe and highly-frequented location where locals and families gather to socialize, connect with nature, and pursue ongoing learning initiatives. 

While the gardens we are familiar with today provide us with a space to relax amongst nature and spend our leisure time, this hasn’t always been the case. As society moves towards a more sustainable and conservation-focused mindset, due to climate change and a greater understanding of our natural resources and history, this certainly won’t be the case in the year 2050.

But before we fast forward into the future, let’s talk about the origin of the botanic garden, which first began as a private institution seeking to learn about the medical quality of plants, and then utilize this knowledge for the benefit of humankind.

“Defined as an institution holding documented collections of living plants for scientific research, conservation, display, and education”, the first botanical garden in the world was founded back in the 16th century by faculty at Padua University in Italy (Johnson, 2007, p. 066). Classified as a physic garden, The Orto Botanico Padua intended to grow plants to reduce error and fraud in the creation and processing of pharmaceutical medicines (Johnson, 2007, p.066). While early botanical gardens did focus on education, they were primarily internal resources overseen by professors in between teaching their courses.

Gradually, with the increase of trade and curiosity, gardens expanded to hold non-medicinal plants for enjoyment and entertainment. Soon it became a goal to house as many species as possible and trade between institutions became a new financial opportunity for many sites.

As gardens kept expanding to meet their new missions, powerful, private individuals began to take notice and aimed to rival these public institutions with their own, more impressive collections. Soon glass houses and arboretum’s found themselves within royal gardens aiming to hold as many plants as possible. In fact, “it became a matter of personal pride [for some] to outstrip rival botanical gardens in Vienna and Paris” (Johnson, 2007, p. 070). 

At the same time, traditional gardens found themselves trading and exporting plants like tea, coffee, cocoa, and other valued spices with other institutions. The largest shift in the role of botanic gardens happened during the 19th century as cities grew and urban populations skyrocketed. At this time, natural places began disappearing in favor of urban development and people began searching for a way to enjoy the outdoors, away from the bustle of city life. During this period of increasing urbanization, botanic gardens were designed mainly for pleasure and as “centers of beauty and spiritual refreshment”, with no scientific programming attached to them (Powledge, 2023, p. 745).

Today many gardens do have educational programs, so how did this compromise between science and leisure occur? Research over decades began to reveal that “our planet is facing unprecedented challenges, from biodiversity loss to deforestation to climate change, all linked to our activity as humans” (Johnson, 2007 p. 077). It became clear that if we are to survive as a species ourselves, we need to conserve the plants we have.

Most missions today prioritize conservation, and many institutions house seed banks, promote research on threatened species, and attempt to educate the public on the importance of plant preservation. Because conservation messages can be overwhelming and discouraging, botanical gardens aim to present these issues in ways that suggest positive actions the public can take.

Put simply, these institutions need public support to stay open, so their shift towards inspirational messaging is a compromise to educate while still sharing knowledge that scientists have discovered about our impact on the planet. “Putting collections to work for conservation, and understanding global change, are both natural progressions from areas of traditional strength in botanic gardens” (Crane et al., 2009, p. 576).

Still, there remains a disconnect between the botanical garden and the local community. If the botanical garden is to be a thriving force in the community in the year 2050, it needs to evolve into an institution serving the local population through community gardens, volunteer programs, integrated conservation initiatives, and partnerships with local schools and organizations. 

Thirty years from now, the botanic garden is now a place visited frequently by members of the community, thanks to free admission for locals. Here families are welcome to enjoy their day by weaving along nature paths to view local biodiversity, or by relaxing next to large stretches of grass where children can play.

Some members may be visiting to pick up their monthly Community Supported Agriculture box, a selection of seasonal goods provided regularly throughout the season (Community Supported Agriculture, 2021). Produce in this box is supplied by the institution’s community garden and through partnerships with local farms. Some may be visiting the botanic garden to ask for advice about a plant from a professional, while others still may be here for another reason, like to attend a free cooking class or workshop on how to set up their garden at home.

A shift has occurred by 2050 which allows the community to invest in their local botanic gardens, revealing a place prioritizing community connection, ongoing learning, and increased conservation efforts through the use of technology. For example, an online directory now exists that catalogs all known species of plants. 

There’s currently no local database detailing plant reproductive strategies on a species-by-species basis, essential information to conserve or cultivate plants, so this new system allows people to access vital plant information from anywhere in the world (Smith, 2018, p. 41). And because people are now invested in the gardens, there is widespread support for new policies that prioritize sustainability. No longer merely an institution that serves its community, the Botanic Garden of 2050 is made up of its community. 

In terms of looks and design, the garden has evolved from a continuous landscape of paths connecting an array of species to one with designated gardens for people to interact with, sections to relax in, buildings for classrooms, acting as a “third place” for people to socialize outside of work and home.

This concept of a third place was developed by Ray Oldenburg in 1989 who defined the term as a neutral public place “where people in neighborhoods interact informally, in ways that provide opportunities to build social capital and a sense of community” (Dolley, 2020,  p.142). Today our options for a third space may be a cafe, library, or bookstore, but the garden of 2050 will have seen this potential for a community gathering space and created the ideal atmosphere to foster connection.

In an attempt to combat the increasingly hot temperatures due to climate change, solar panel walkway coverings shield visitors from the sun as they meander along main paths. The energy collected from these coverings helps the garden balance its electrical footprint and provides a cooler space for people to exist under shade.

Near the community garden is a designated area for children to learn, play, touch, and interact with nature in a controlled space. This combination of creativity and playfulness is regarded as essential because these spaces “mediate between the learner, social norms, and values of the ‘culture’ that children are becoming incorporated into (Davies, 2014 p. 4). Several temperature-controlled greenhouses are sprinkled throughout the property to allow concentrated conservation efforts to occur throughout the space simultaneously.

Exhibitions about foreign species have programs that directly benefit their native habitat while all other exhibitions will benefit local programs. This way of identifying the needs of the community and creating partnerships “uses the resources of the institution to make direct improvements in the lives of citizens” (Kreski, 2016, p. 114). The last feature botanic gardens will have is interactive signage at each exhibit. Holographic presentations or video screens can allow visitors to become scientists, and view what plants looked like hundreds of years ago, how climate change has affected plant life, or how a plant grows from a seed to a mature specimen. The experience will be deeply personal, and this immersion will become standard for all gardens.

This is why I believe the Botanic Garden of 2050 must be a leader in social interaction and connection within the community. Visitors are already looking to gardens as a place of relaxation and safety, and an overall decline in mental health among our population has created a need for space that allows people to get in touch with nature and escape from the realities of life.

“Literature on the social inclusion work of museums has identified enhanced self-esteem as one of the outcomes” when institutions engage with their communities, which often results in the development of more active, fulfilled, and social lives (Vergou, 2014, p. 34). Imagine walking into a garden where you feel welcome and as if your contributions directly impact the institution. This renewed sense of purpose uplifts the community and empowers them to invest where they are planted (pardon the pun).

This focus on social interaction and connection within the community is inspired by the Veterans Project at the Chicago Botanic Garden, which created "specialized, customized, and meticulously planned activities” for veterans aimed at managing the extreme stress reactions they experience (Kreski, 2016, p. 112).

Here participants felt safe and incorporated into the culture of the garden; lives were enriched through catered, individualized connections. The Garden of the Future will have multiple continuous programs serving micro-communities to uplift, inspire, and integrate people within the garden culture. 

As mentioned earlier, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes with produce grown on the garden property are a major focus for the Botanic Garden of 2050. These subscription boxes not only offer fresh and locally sourced fruits and vegetables but also have an impact on improving the overall well-being of the community.

Like the Edible Gardening project, this program would aim to change individual behaviors by teaching people how to live more sustainably and grow their food using environmentally friendly practices (Vergou, 2014 p 33). Additionally, the availability of CSA boxes would foster a stronger connection between the garden and the people it serves, reinforcing a sense of belonging.

Conservation would remain a core mission for the Botanic Garden of the future, evolving into an influential voice within the governing body of the community. The garden collaborates with local environmental organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions to identify and protect endangered plant species, conserve natural habitats, and address ecological challenges.

Participating in this sort of way will rally public support, attract funding, and influence policy decisions that benefit both the environment and the people. Helping people collaborate to lead structural and systemic change addresses prevention, and is essential for the garden of the future (Vergou, 2014, p. 38).

To demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, the garden's board or decision-makers would reflect the demographic population of the community it serves. Diverse representation here ensures that the garden's initiatives are inclusive and address the needs and interests of all community members.

“Collaboration is imperative because of the sheer scale, connectivity, and complexity of the social and environmental challenges we [as a society] are facing” (Towards a New Social Purpose,  2010, p. 10). This approach would encourage equal access to the garden's resources, educational programs, and conservation efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.

Technology would be seamlessly integrated into the educational opportunities provided by the garden. Its classrooms would be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, enabling immersive learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Through interactive exhibits, virtual reality displays, and augmented reality tours, visitors can explore the botanical offerings of different ecosystems around the world without leaving the garden premises. This would embody the vision many botanic gardens see for their future, currently proposing “where better for people to understand the rapidly changing world, to grasp how to change their behavior and to mobilize action for a sustainable future?” (Maunder, p. 597).

Additionally, the garden would offer a comprehensive program of classes and workshops, inviting experts, researchers, and horticulturists to share their knowledge with the public. Student interns would have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning, gaining practical experience in plant care, conservation techniques, and sustainable gardening practices.

This draws inspiration from the WATCH program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where students developed year-long projects and effectively expanded on the resources of the local school system to incorporate real and engaging perspectives into the academic curriculum (CAISE, 2010, p. 38).

To promote a deeper appreciation for locally grown ingredients and foster sustainable eating habits, the Botanic Garden of 2050 would further utilize its community garden and partner with nearby farms to offer free cooking classes. These classes would emphasize the use of fresh produce cultivated within the garden premises and demonstrate creative and nutritious ways to prepare meals.

Through these cooking classes, participants learn about the interconnectedness between plants, food, and human health, fostering a greater understanding of the importance of sustainable agriculture and consumption.

These creative opportunities allow visitors to develop new skills while experiencing the living world in new and inspiring ways (Davies, 2014, p. 8). As a result, the collaboration with local farms and the community garden would strengthen community bonds, stimulate the local economy, and encourage responsible food choices, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

Sustainability would be a guiding principle in every aspect of the botanic garden of 2050, extending to its water management and food services. The garden would employ innovative and eco-friendly irrigation systems, such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and smart irrigation technologies, to minimize water consumption and reduce its ecological footprint.

Embracing sustainable water practices would set an example for visitors and the wider community, encouraging them to adopt water-saving measures in their homes and gardens. Leading by example, the botanic garden will show the importance of plants to people to stimulate sustainability and positive action (Powledge, 2011, p. 748). Regarding food services, the garden would prioritize sustainable and locally sourced options, eliminating single-use plastics, and focusing on organic and locally grown produce.

By supporting local businesses, the garden would contribute to a more self-sufficient community food system. Moreover, the garden's efforts towards sustainable practices would serve as an educational model, inspiring visitors to adopt environmentally conscious behaviors in their daily lives. Around 80% of visitors today prioritize “learning about actions they can take at home to help conservation”, so this system of the future will provide the tools people need to do so (Roe, 2014, p. 539). 

The Botanic Garden of 2050 transcends its role as a traditional institution and immerses itself within the community in unprecedented ways. Inspired by the innovative gardens of today like The Eden Project and the Botanic Garden in Aarhus, Denmark, the garden of the future combines energy-conserving design solutions with the natural landscape to inspire people to visit “the real nature” both in and outside the gardens (Botanical Garden). By integrating local species and community gardens into its design, the garden would become a living tapestry of the region's ecological heritage, showcasing the beauty and significance of indigenous plants and landscapes.

In conclusion, the Garden of the Future serves as a multifunctional social space, hosting events, classes, and cultural gatherings that bring people together and foster a sense of community. It is a new type of “third place” and venue for education, recreation, and relaxation, inviting visitors to connect with both nature and each other.

Through initiatives like exhibition planting and live demonstrations, the garden actively involves the community in shaping and maintaining its evolving landscape, instilling a sense of pride and ownership among the residents. By establishing itself as an essential part of the community fabric, the garden becomes a cherished and welcoming space that sustains and enriches the lives of people for generations to come. “We often describe our collections as living; the best testimony to living is to have a positive effect on the lives of others” (Kreski, 2016, p. 114). In this spirit, the botanic garden’s integration with the community demonstrates the transformative power of botanical gardens in building sustainable, connected, and vibrant societies.

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