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site_visit_and_survey_notes [2008-05-17 10:24] – sanjeevsite_visit_and_survey_notes [2008-05-18 12:13] – sanjeev
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 These notes form a part of [[sanjeev shankar]]'s research, which is summarised in his [[research_report_sanjeev-shankar|research report]] These notes form a part of [[sanjeev shankar]]'s research, which is summarised in his [[research_report_sanjeev-shankar|research report]]
  
-====Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam====+====India====
  
-Established in 1663, the hortus is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world with more than 6000 plants from all over. What started out as a medicinal herb garden, the hortus grows only pure plant species, as they are found in nature. It is also the first botanic garden in the Netherlands to display the molecular systemics of plants to everyone and continues to organize various cultural, educational and botanical activities through out the year.((http://www.dehortus.nl/index.asp))+{{:perma111.jpg|}} 
  
-{{:perma68.jpg|}}+Though India has been traditionally known for its strong traditional agricultural methods, it is facing one of the worst agrarian crisis since independence. More than **160,000 farmers have committed suicide since 1997**, with the cotton belt of Maharashtra being hit the worst. Impossible debts, loss of ancestral land, expensive genetically modified seeds, large scale dependence on rain, reduction in farm subsidies, unfriendly banks, liberalised economies and moving away from traditional farming practices are some of the contributory factors. Today, the country faces one of the most serious challenges in balancing its rush to embrace the global marketplace with preserving and nurturing its greatest asset: the farmer. Demographically, more than 66 percent of Indians reside in rural areas. Not surprisingly, the emphasis here has always been on rural agriculture. This dominant rural demographic will continue till 2050 and is an important difference between India and Europe, which has a reverse population distribution in terms of percentage of people residing in cites. The positive contribution that production within the cities can make, has hardly been acknowledged in India. For more details on this please see the [[analysis of peri-urban agriculture in India.]]
  
- +New Delhi, which is the capital of India has a population of over 15 million. A couple of decades ago the area surrounding the city was mostly agricultural. Today, the city is increasingly in the midst of a continuous urban sprawl. Delhi has over 40% of it citizens living in slum like conditions and over the past decade they are being systematically thrown out. The river banks too were till recently a site for the poor. As demand for scarce land rises, there is an ongoing change in the demographics of residential areas. After a concerted city action in early nineties over 7500 hectares of forest are now legally protected in the city, and through another law, tree cutting needs special permission. Similarly Non Governmental Organisations along with the courts forced the conversion of public transport from diesel to CNG, a cleaner fuel. At the social and physical level, Delhi remains a historical, multi-layered fragmented city, with each fragment contributing in its own way to the city. Such multi layered city character is very common in India and creates a complex dynamic within the city. In Delhi, apart from the ridge forest which is the capital's green lung, substantial green stretches are seen in schools, universities, military campuses and religious institutions. Home gardens are common with the role of the 'maali'(gardener) crucial in maintaining the gardens. Commonly grown plants include green chilis, tomatoes, beans, papaya, grapes, jamun(or jamblang), cucumber, bananas, guavas, money plants, marigold and mangoes. A lot of these edibles are consumed within the household or within the local community. There is hardly any attempt to process, package or value add the produce. They are often sold on the streets. It is not uncommon to see vendors selling seasonal produce from nearby villages too. Organic gardens are not common within the city realms. 
-====Delhi, India==== +
- +
-India, which has been traditionally known for its diverse culture and strong traditional agricultural methods is today synonymous for rapid growth and transformation. Demographically, more than 66 percent of the people reside in rural areas. This dominant rural demographic will continue till 2050 and is an important difference between India and Europe, which has a reverse trend in terms of percentage of people residing in cites. New Delhi, situated within the metropolis of Delhi, is the capital of India. With a population of over 15 million the city is undergoing rapid change. A couple of decades ago the area surrounding the city was mostly agricultural. Today, the situation is different. Now the city is increasingly in the midst of a continuous urban sprawl. Delhi has over 40% of it citizens living in slum like conditions and over the past decade they are being systematically thrown out. The river banks too were till recently a site for the poor. As demand for scarce land rises, there is an ongoing change in the demographics of residential areas. After a concerted city action in early nineties over 7500 hectares of forest are now legally protected in the city, and through another law, tree cutting needs special permission. Similarly Non Governmental Organisations along with the Courts forced the conversion of public transport from diesel to CNG, a cleaner fuel. At the social and physical level, Delhi remains a historical, multi-layered fragmented city, with each fragment contributing in its own way to the city. Such multi layered city character is very common in India and creates a complex dynamic within the city. +
- +
-In Delhi, apart from the ridge forest which is the capital's green lung, substantial green stretches are seen in schools, universities, military campuses, religious institutions and parks. Home gardens are commonly seen in New Delhi with the role of the local 'maali'(gardener) crucial in maintaining the gardens. Some of the most common plants grown in Delhi include green chilis, tomatoes, beans, papaya, grapes, jamun(or jamblang), cucumber, bananas, guavas, money plants, marigold(used for offering prayers) and mangoes. A lot of these edibles are consumed within the household or within the local communities. There is hardly any attempt to process, package or value add the produce as one sees them being sold at reasonable prices on the streets. It is not uncommon to see vendors selling seasonal produce from nearby villages too. Organic gardens are not common within the city realms. With the emphasis on rural agriculture in India, the positive contribution that production within the cities can make, has hardly been acknowledged. For more details on this please see the [[analysis of peri-urban agriculture in India.]]+
  
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- 
-Certain religious institutions in India, like ISKCON(International society for Krishna conciousness) lay special emphasis on organic farming and have a very successful model to train people in bio-dynamic farming in their national centre in Mysore, near Bangalore. This is part of the Bio-Dynamic association of India(BDAI).((http://www.basilacademy.in/html/aboutBasil.htm)) 
  
 Some pointers related to organic farming in Delhi: Some pointers related to organic farming in Delhi:
  
-  * As India struggles to deal with stagnation in its crucial agricultural sector, small-scale organic farming initiatives near the capital are providing clues on how to reap healthy profits from the land.+  * Small-scale organic farming initiatives near the capital are providing clues on how to reap healthy profits from the land.
  
   * Around New Delhi, free-range and organic goods from newcomers are showing that money can be made by growing specialty products that consumers are willing to pay more for. High-value crops which include fruits, vegetables, milk, poultry products and fish are the focus and not cereals. A French Farm in Gurgaon, a suburb of New Delhi known mainly for its call centres, raises thousands of free-range Peking and Muscovy ducks on feed that is free of pesticide and antibiotics. A lot of these products are sold to high end hotels and not to the common man on the streets.   * Around New Delhi, free-range and organic goods from newcomers are showing that money can be made by growing specialty products that consumers are willing to pay more for. High-value crops which include fruits, vegetables, milk, poultry products and fish are the focus and not cereals. A French Farm in Gurgaon, a suburb of New Delhi known mainly for its call centres, raises thousands of free-range Peking and Muscovy ducks on feed that is free of pesticide and antibiotics. A lot of these products are sold to high end hotels and not to the common man on the streets.
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   * http://www.iccoa.org/    * http://www.iccoa.org/ 
  
-====Chandni Chowk, Delhi====+Certain religious institutions in India, like ISKCON(International society for Krishna conciousness) lay special emphasis on organic farming and have a successful model to train people in bio-dynamic farming in their national centre in Karnataka. This is part of the Bio-Dynamic association of India(BDAI).((http://www.basilacademy.in/html/aboutBasil.htm)) 
  
-Also known as the 'moonlight junction', Chandni Chowk is a dense urban setting, designed in the 15th century by the mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The place has been a thriving epicentre of largescale trade in north India for 600 years. In his search for 'green' spots in this place, the researcher witnessed how religion plays a crucial role in creating a narrative which brings much needed spiritual and ethical base in wake of growing pressure from real estate groups. During his visit to a 15th century traditional haveli Sanjeev saw a huge 'peepal' tree. 'Peepal' is a local Indian tree which is worshipped by Hindus. The tree has remained there for over 300 years with changes in built form happening all around it. As the researcher walked through the labyrinthine streets to see more informal courtyards and smaller, personal touches of green: marigold flowers in front of the temple, the small 'jamun' tree in the court yard, 'tulsi', 'kadi patta' and money plants, he sees how even in an extremely dense settlement like this, people find ways to establish their links with nature. Marigold flowers are offered during daily prayers in hindu temples while the 'tulsi' plant is a herb and has been traditionally worshipped in every hindu household. A visit to one of the oldest jain temples further gives an insight into how most religions have had a sustainable approach. A priest informed the researcher that 'Jain monks are like grazing cattle;they never take too much from one place or person. They take small amounts and then move onto the next spot.' +===Organic farming in India===
- +
-{{:perma75.jpg|}} +
-{{:perma76.jpg|}} +
- +
-====Organic farming in India====+
  
 Organic farming is gathering momentum all over the globe and is currently practiced in more than 100 countries. Although the term 'organic farming' is Organic farming is gathering momentum all over the globe and is currently practiced in more than 100 countries. Although the term 'organic farming' is
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-The term "organic" is best thought of as referring not to the type of inputs used, but to the concept of the farm as an organism, a system in which all the components - the soil minerals, organic matter, microorganisms, insects, plants, animal and humans - interact to create coherent, self-regulating and stable whole. Reliance on external inputs, whether chemical or organic, is reduced asfar as possible. Organic farming is thus a holistic production system. The main principles of organic farming are: +For more details on this topic click on [[organic farming in India]].
-  * To work as much as possible within a closed system, and draw upon local resources. +
-  * To maintain the long-term fertility of soils. +
-  * To avoid all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural techniques. +
-  * To produce foodstuffs of high nutritional quality and sufficient quantity. +
-  * To reduce the use of fossil energy in agricultural practice to a minimum. +
-  * To give livestock conditions of life that confirm to their physiological need. +
-  * To make it possible for agricultural producers to earn a living through their work and develop their potentialities as human being.+
  
-The four pillars of organic farming are: Organic standards, Certification/Regulatory mechanism, technology packages and market network. Indian Agriculture is traditionally organic and farmers were following organic cultivation till the middle of the last century (1950). The Green +===Chandni Chowk, Delhi=== 
-Revolution, ushered in India during the 1960's is often seen as the cornerstone of India's agricultural achievement,transforming the country from the stage of food deficiency to self-sufficiency. During the period, the production of food grains has increased four fold, from 50.82 mt in 1950-51 to 212.05 mt on 2003-04. But indiscriminate and excessive use of chemicals during this period has put forth a question mark on sustainability of +Chandni Chowk is a dense urban settlement, designed in the 15th century by the mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The place has been a thriving epicentre of largescale trade in north India for 600 years. In his search for 'green' spots in this place, the researcher witnessed how religion plays a crucial role in creating a narrative, which brings much needed spiritual and ethical base in wake of growing pressure from real estate groups. During a visit to a 15th century traditional //haveli// Sanjeev saw a huge 'peepal' tree. ('Peepal' is a local Indian tree which is worshipped by Hindus) The tree has remained there for over 300 years with changes in built form happening all around it. Further inquiry results in more informal courtyards and smaller, personal touches of green: marigold flowers in front of the temple, the small 'jamun' tree in the court yard, 'tulsi', 'kadi patta' and money plants. Marigold flowers are offered during daily prayers in hindu temples while the 'tulsi' plant (holy basil) is a herb and has been traditionally worshipped in hindu households. A visit to one of the oldest jain temples further gives an insight into how most religions have had an approach based on self-regulation. A priest informed the researcher that 'Jain monks are like grazing cattle;they never take too much from one place or person. They take small amounts and then move onto the next spot.'
-agriculture in the long run calling attention for sustainable production which will address soil health, human health and environmental health and eco-friendly agriculture. Organic farming appears to be one of the options for sustainability. Starting of organic agriculture in India in 1900 by Sir Albert Howard, a British agronomist in North India, Development of Indore Method of aerobic compost (Howard, 1929), Bangalore method of +
-anaerobic compost (Archarya, 1934), NADEP Compost (ND Pandari Panda,Yeotmal, 1980)initiated organic agriculture in India.+
  
-The year 2000 was a very important year for India from organic point of view. The major happenings during this year were: +{{:perma75.jpg|}} 
-  * The Planning Commission constituted (2000) a steering group on agriculture who identified organic farming as National challenge and suggested it should be taken in the form of a project as major thrust area for 10th-plan. The group recommended organic farming in North Eastern Region, rain fed areas and in the areas where the consumption of agro chemicals is low or negligible. +{{:perma76.jpg|}}
-  * The National Agricultural Policy(2000) recommended promotion of traditional knowledge of agriculture relating to organic farming and its scientific upgradation. +
-  * The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), Ministry of Agriculture constituted (2000) a Taskforce on organic farming. +
-  * The Ministry of Commerce launched the National Organic Programme in April 2000 and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production(NPOP).  +
- +
-Vast stretches of India and its farmers continue to be organic by default. Organic fertilizer and natural pest control are the only tools available to most of these farmers, who have always lacked the financial resources to explore chemical solutions. Further, a significant number of them have chosen to farm organically, as their forefathers have done for thousands of years. This has been a concious decision after seeing the impact of the use of chemicals in agriculture. Recently, even though chmicals have been used extensively through out India, eastern and north eastern parts of India still continue to use older traditional methods.((http://www.ecoworld.com/home/articles2.cfm?tid=349)) +
- +
-Global statistics do not reflect this fact about India! As per the study (2004) of the Foundation Ecology and Agriculture (known as SOEL), +
-the global organic area is 24 million ha. The major part of this area is located in Australia (about 10 million hectares), Argentina +
-(almost 3million hectares. Australia /Oceania holds 42% of the world's organic land, followed by Latin America (24.2%) and Europe (23%). In Africa, more than 3,20,000 hectares and 71,000 farms are managed organically, representing about 0.04% of agricultural land. The total organic agricultural area in Asia is now about 8,80,000 hectares, corresponding to 0.07% ofthe agricultural area. The number of organic farm is more +
-than 61,000. In 2004, India's share was only 0.001 per cent of the global organic market of $31 billion. Certification is the weakest link here. Currently the export of organic products is allowed only if "the produce is packed under a valid organic certification issued by a certifying agency accredited by a designated agency." in October 2003, the Indian Central Government set up a //National Institute of Organic Farming// in Ghaziabad. The purpose of this institute is to formulate rules, regulations and certification of organic farm products in conformity with international standards. The major organic products sold in the global markets include dried fruits and nuts, cocoa, spices, herbs, oil crops, and derived products. Non-food items include cotton, cut flowers, livestock and potted plants. +
- +
-The fees for registering a farm as 'organic' and getting international certification is extremely high for small farmers. Further the process is time consuming. Under the government policy in 2005, it took four years for a farm to be certified as organic. The cost of preparing the report was a flat fee of Rs. 5000, and the certificate itself costs another Rs. 5000. While these costs are bearable for the new industrial organic greenhouses, they are equal to or more than an entire year's income for the average small farmer, if the costs of travel and inspection are included. For those farmers who want to make a switch to organic farming, the intermittent 3 year transition period, during which the crops may be less plentiful than with conventional fertilizers and pesticides, and yet the higher price for organic products won't yet be possible because the certification will take time. This is also a deterrent. Further, almost all bank loans are for pure crop farmers, that is, monoculturalists. While many of these big-business farmers use harmful chemicals and processes, small farmers fertilizing their soil with recycled organic wastes are usually ineligible for insurance, much less state subsidies. +
- +
-For detailed and comparative analysis please click on the document below:  +
-  * {{:current_status_of_organic_farming.pdf|}}   +
-For details about Bhaskar Save's natural farming methods, please click on the document below: +
-  * {{:save_s_natural_farming_ways.pdf|}} (Save has been an organic farmer in India for 40 years) +
-  * {{:letter_from_indian_farmer.pdf|}}+
  
-====TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute, Forestry department, New Delhi and FRLHT (Foundation of Revitalisation of local health traditions),Bangalore====+===TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute, Forestry department, New Delhi and FRLHT (Foundation of Revitalisation of local health traditions),Bangalore===
  
 Community outreach program of HHG(home herbal gardens)((http://www.teriin.org)) in Delhi using the following plants:  Community outreach program of HHG(home herbal gardens)((http://www.teriin.org)) in Delhi using the following plants: 
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-====Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary====+===Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary, Kerala===
  
 Spread over 55 acres, the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary is a garden of wild plant species grown at the edge of a large rainforest reserve in the Western Ghat Mountains of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to conservation and education. Founded in 1981, the Sanctuary restores endangered species and habitats in a highly fragmented landscape, where only a fraction of original forest remains and much of the native flora has been tragically and sometimes deliberately extracted or “cleaned up” for human use. While witnessing the exuberant growth of anthuriums and begonias around us, we discussed the impact of the growing popularity of ayurveda and organic teas on the forests and how their price does not reflect the real price we all are paying in the long run. The researcher is informed that the amount of bio mass which goes into their production is shockingly high. Of course there are issues of the rise and fall of tea and coffee prices and how economics and ecology have become interlinked. As we move on, we see the epiphytic orchids in the orchidarium conserved in the most impressive manner. Out of 300000 known plants about 30000 are orchids. The sanctuary itself is a repository of over 2000 plant species which is about one-third of the entire regions flora. These have been rescued from degraded and destroyed environments. Conservation in this district of Wayanad, where the original settlers were small migrant farmers with immediate survival needs, is an exceptionally challenging job. Fighting for the last bits of rain forests is not a choice, but a crucial need and responsibility here. The care and patience with which these plants have been brought back to life, convinces the researcher about the need for single minded focus in such a context.  Spread over 55 acres, the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary is a garden of wild plant species grown at the edge of a large rainforest reserve in the Western Ghat Mountains of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to conservation and education. Founded in 1981, the Sanctuary restores endangered species and habitats in a highly fragmented landscape, where only a fraction of original forest remains and much of the native flora has been tragically and sometimes deliberately extracted or “cleaned up” for human use. While witnessing the exuberant growth of anthuriums and begonias around us, we discussed the impact of the growing popularity of ayurveda and organic teas on the forests and how their price does not reflect the real price we all are paying in the long run. The researcher is informed that the amount of bio mass which goes into their production is shockingly high. Of course there are issues of the rise and fall of tea and coffee prices and how economics and ecology have become interlinked. As we move on, we see the epiphytic orchids in the orchidarium conserved in the most impressive manner. Out of 300000 known plants about 30000 are orchids. The sanctuary itself is a repository of over 2000 plant species which is about one-third of the entire regions flora. These have been rescued from degraded and destroyed environments. Conservation in this district of Wayanad, where the original settlers were small migrant farmers with immediate survival needs, is an exceptionally challenging job. Fighting for the last bits of rain forests is not a choice, but a crucial need and responsibility here. The care and patience with which these plants have been brought back to life, convinces the researcher about the need for single minded focus in such a context. 
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-====Rainforest Retreat====+===Rainforest Retreat, Karnataka===
  
 The Rainforest Retreat((http://www.rainforestours.com/)) is an eco-lodge located on an Organic Spice Plantation (MOJO Plantation) nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats (in Kodagu district of southern Karnataka). Founded by Dr. Sujata, a botanist and Anurag Goel, a molecular biologist turned organic farmer, their business model is based on sharing the nuances of organic farming with the visitors apart from selling locally grown cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and coffee. Their methods are based on the following prnciples aimed at working toward generating a sustainable agri-ecosystem in the fragile environment:  The Rainforest Retreat((http://www.rainforestours.com/)) is an eco-lodge located on an Organic Spice Plantation (MOJO Plantation) nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats (in Kodagu district of southern Karnataka). Founded by Dr. Sujata, a botanist and Anurag Goel, a molecular biologist turned organic farmer, their business model is based on sharing the nuances of organic farming with the visitors apart from selling locally grown cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and coffee. Their methods are based on the following prnciples aimed at working toward generating a sustainable agri-ecosystem in the fragile environment: 
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-====Beaulah Farm====+===Beaulah Farm, Tamil Nadu===
  
 Tucked away in a picturesque pocket of the Nilgiris in South India, Beulah Farm provides the chance visitor a rare personal treat in the state of Tamil Nadu. The place which was founded by Eapen Jacob, does not fall within the usual tourist circuit. One may stumble upon it in the course of meandering walks one usually takes in the hills. Around the cottage, what looks like a wild tangle of a garden, each shrub, plant and bush makes up the herb garden which has been lovingly nurtured and tended to by Eapen, who plays music to his plants every day! From the three different kinds of basil and four different kinds of mint, the rosemary, thyme, sage and parsley. Passion fruits, Malta oranges, lemons make the fruit orchard, along with the strawberry patch. All of these go into making wines, liqueurs, tart marmalades, rhubarb jam and preserves made in a unique way in Sandalwood barrels on the farm. 23 different varieties of Rose wine (including a green and a black rose), guava squash, mint liqueur and a horse radish wine are some of his most popular products, all made in an organic way perfected over the last 25 years. In Jacob's own words, 'Not a grain of yeast or any chemical has gone into the brewing of the wines. We even make our own fertilizers and a gaggle of geese act as his pest control measure.' The liquid organic manure made from sheep and fowl droppings is high in nitrogen and perfect for all the farm produce except for strawberries as it results in extensive leaf growth. Tucked away in a picturesque pocket of the Nilgiris in South India, Beulah Farm provides the chance visitor a rare personal treat in the state of Tamil Nadu. The place which was founded by Eapen Jacob, does not fall within the usual tourist circuit. One may stumble upon it in the course of meandering walks one usually takes in the hills. Around the cottage, what looks like a wild tangle of a garden, each shrub, plant and bush makes up the herb garden which has been lovingly nurtured and tended to by Eapen, who plays music to his plants every day! From the three different kinds of basil and four different kinds of mint, the rosemary, thyme, sage and parsley. Passion fruits, Malta oranges, lemons make the fruit orchard, along with the strawberry patch. All of these go into making wines, liqueurs, tart marmalades, rhubarb jam and preserves made in a unique way in Sandalwood barrels on the farm. 23 different varieties of Rose wine (including a green and a black rose), guava squash, mint liqueur and a horse radish wine are some of his most popular products, all made in an organic way perfected over the last 25 years. In Jacob's own words, 'Not a grain of yeast or any chemical has gone into the brewing of the wines. We even make our own fertilizers and a gaggle of geese act as his pest control measure.' The liquid organic manure made from sheep and fowl droppings is high in nitrogen and perfect for all the farm produce except for strawberries as it results in extensive leaf growth.
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-====Krac-Á-Dawna Organic Farm====+===Krac-Á-Dawna Organic Farm, Karnataka===
  
 Founded by Juli and Vivek Cariappa, KRAC-A-DAWNA is an evolving farm nestled deep within rural Karnataka. It is an important member of the OFAI(Organic Farmers association of India) and has for long searched for practical solutions to daily problems. From home-schooling to manure-teas and bio-gas there are no fixed rules here. Ths is an interesting example in self-learning and re-learning about believing in one's instincts and defying a modern developmental process that relies too heavily on mass production and a rigid definition  of “civilization”. Self-reliance figures prominently in the farms thinking and its founders take a stand on issues ranging from genetically modified seeds to alternative markets, from child education to small- farm organic certification. Nothing leaves the farm in raw form and from natural dyes and cotton to wild honey, cinnamon, pepper and sesame butter, the farm produce has become an important revenue source. Lately, the farm has started developing its expertise in Bio-dynamic farming and trains registered farmers in the same. Founded by Juli and Vivek Cariappa, KRAC-A-DAWNA is an evolving farm nestled deep within rural Karnataka. It is an important member of the OFAI(Organic Farmers association of India) and has for long searched for practical solutions to daily problems. From home-schooling to manure-teas and bio-gas there are no fixed rules here. Ths is an interesting example in self-learning and re-learning about believing in one's instincts and defying a modern developmental process that relies too heavily on mass production and a rigid definition  of “civilization”. Self-reliance figures prominently in the farms thinking and its founders take a stand on issues ranging from genetically modified seeds to alternative markets, from child education to small- farm organic certification. Nothing leaves the farm in raw form and from natural dyes and cotton to wild honey, cinnamon, pepper and sesame butter, the farm produce has become an important revenue source. Lately, the farm has started developing its expertise in Bio-dynamic farming and trains registered farmers in the same.
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 +====Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, Netherlands====
 +
 +Established in 1663, the hortus is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world with more than 6000 plants from all over. What started out as a medicinal herb garden, the hortus grows only pure plant species, as they are found in nature. It is also the first botanic garden in the Netherlands to display the molecular systemics of plants to everyone and continues to organize various cultural, educational and botanical activities through out the year.((http://www.dehortus.nl/index.asp))
 +
 +{{:perma68.jpg|}}
  
 ====Gilbert's Eco-Garden, Moucron, Belgium==== ====Gilbert's Eco-Garden, Moucron, Belgium====
  • site_visit_and_survey_notes.txt
  • Last modified: 2020-06-06 11:57
  • by nik