Today there are 1,775 botanic gardens around the world, forging the way in conservation efforts and scientific research, but the roots of these horticultural institutions are much older. From early blueprints such as the 4th century BC garden of Aristotle, the first true botanic gardens are generally considered to be the Garden of the University of Padua established in 1543.

Designed as spaces of study and research, botanic gardens are where the lavish beauty of the natural world collides with cutting-edge scientific developments. Throughout history the role of botanic gardens has shifted according to the context of the time, from primarily places of medical research to key theaters in the age of exploration, and more recently with a focus on conservation in the face of the escalating climate challenges.

From the Renaissance gardens of Italy to the futuristic Singapore Botanic Gardens, this gorgeous book tells the story of these unique institutions. It is a history of science and learning, of politics and national interests, of societal concerns and individual passions. But, most of all, it is a compelling history of the power and possibility of the natural world, that we are still merely scratching the surface of.