A Spring of Renewal at the Jerusalem Botanical Garden
Spring has arrived at the University Botanical Garden in Givat Ram, opening to the general public in all its splendor, with the peak of the blooming season, spectacular colors, and exciting new features for visitors.
Throughout the garden, visitors can currently enjoy a variety of exceptional seasonal blooms: in the Asian section, carpets of daisies and lupines are featured as part of the garden's wildflower initiative, and in the wildflower section, an abundance of sages and blue cornflowers create an especially powerful and colorful sight. The South African section is characterized by perennials creating impressive splashes of color, including Cape Daisies, Osteospermums, Aloes, and Golden Sage. The California section is abundant with the azure blooming of unique Ceanothus species alongside other varieties.
The garden, a gem of nature in the heart of the city, offers a green, blooming, and inspiring experience this season. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and families seeking quality time, with the option for a picnic in the beautifully maintained open spaces.
New Attraction - Accessible Electric Train in Italian Design:
As part of the spirit of spring and renewal, the garden is launching a designed electric train that allows visitors to discover its beauty from a new and relaxed perspective. “Vivien’s Train” is named after Dame Vivien Duffield, Chair of the Clore Foundation in Israel, which has supported the garden's activities over the years.
The train was manufactured in Italy by the DOTTO company, which specializes in producing high-quality tourist trains across Europe. It was carefully planned as part of a vision to bring the highest standards to the garden, emphasizing accessibility, user experience, and environmental protection. This is an electric, quiet, and eco-friendly train, providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride for all visitors in all seasons. The train operates during weekdays (Sunday-Thursday every hour on the hour from 10:00 to 13:30, and on Fridays between 10:00-12:30).
The new train symbolizes the start of a new phase in the garden's development and represents the first of a series of new projects currently in the planning and execution stages.
Blooming now - don't miss out:
Ceanothus (California Lilac) - California section, blooming for the first time in Israel: A shrub of Californian origin, which, together with other Ceanothus species, creates spectacular blooming displays in shades of light blue and deep blue. The plant is related to the Buckthorn familiar in Israel, but unlike it, boasts blue flowers that attract many pollinators. This bloom highlights the garden's importance as an ecosystem supporting a wide range of wildlife.
Berberis trifoliata (Agarita) - California section: A desert shrub from North America, with prominent yellow flowers and thorny leaves with a unique sculptural appearance.
Pandorea pandorana (Wonga Wonga Vine) - Australia section: An impressive climber currently covered in rich white blossoms. A relatively rare plant in Israeli gardens, adding uniqueness to the Australian section.
The Jerusalem University Botanical Garden in Givat Ram: Considered the largest of its kind in the Middle East, spanning about 150 dunams in the heart of the city. It is a leading center for research, education, and training, as well as a unique tourism and cultural site. The garden contains the largest collection of living plants in Israel and the region, with over 7,300 species and varieties of plants from around the world, displayed in six geographical sections simulating different vegetation regions. For about 40 years, the garden has also been involved in the cultivation, preservation, and distribution of wildflower seeds, as part of its commitment to preserving Israeli nature and making it accessible to the general public. Throughout the year, the garden presents spectacular seasonal blooms that attract visitors from all over the country.
For further details: The Botanical Garden 02-6794012
To purchase tickets: https://tickets.botanic.co.il
(Pictured: Ceanothus blooming in the Jerusalem Botanical Garden. Photo: Yael Amir)
