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{{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox park
|name = Government Botanical Garden
|photo = Botanical Gardens - Ootacamund (Ooty) - India 03.JPG
|image_alt = Government Botanical Garden
|photo_caption = Government Botanical Garden, Ooty
|map =
|map caption =
|type = Botanical Garden
|location = [[Ooty]] (Udhagamandalam)
|coords = {{coord|11.418752|76.711038|type:landmark|display=inline, title}}
|area = 55 acres
|plants =
|species = 650<ref name= dna>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_peaks-of-pleasure_1137638|title=Peaks of pleasure|publisher=Dnaindia.com|access-date=2011-01-22}}</ref>
|collections = Cork tree, Paper bark tree, Monkey puzzle tree<ref name=tngov>{{cite web|url=http://www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in/ooty.htm |title=GOVERNMENT BOTANICAL GARDEN |publisher=Nilgiris.tn.gov.in |access-date=2011-01-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114053740/http://www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in/ooty.htm |archive-date=2011-01-14 }}</ref>
|opened = 1847<ref name= dna/>
|owner = Government of Tamil Nadu
|operator = Horticulture Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
|budget =
|visitation_num=
|status = Open
|website =
}}

[[File:Botanical Garden in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.JPG|thumb|Botanical Garden in Ooty, Tamil Nadu]]
[[File:Ooty Gardens by Shashidhara halady.jpg|thumb|Botanical Garden, Ooty, India]]
[[File:Ooty Botanical Gardens 2.jpg|thumb|right]]
[[File:Ootybotanicalgarden125631012pan.jpg|thumb|right]]
[[File:Ooty botanical garden.jpg|thumb|right]]
[[File:Botanical Garden View in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.JPG|thumb|Botanical Garden View in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.]]


'''The Government Botanical Garden''' is a [[botanical garden]] in Udhagamandalam, near Coimbatore ([[Ooty]]), [[Tamil Nadu]] state, [[India]] laid out in 1848.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ooty.com/travel/botanicalgarden.htm|title=Ooty Botanical Garden|publisher=Ooty.com|access-date=2011-01-22}}</ref> The Gardens, divided into several sections, cover an area of around 55 hectares, and lie on the lower slopes of [[Doddabetta]] peak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india-tourist-places.com/category/states-of-south-india/page/3/ |title=Archive for the ‘States of South India’ Category-Botanical Garden |publisher=India-tourist-places.com |access-date=2011-01-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605143426/http://www.india-tourist-places.com/category/states-of-south-india/page/3/ |archive-date=2011-06-05 }}</ref> The garden has a terraced layout. It is maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department.<ref name=sections/>

It ascends the slopes of the hill at an elevation of 2250–2500 metres above Mean Sea Level.<ref name= tngov/> The garden enjoys a temperate climate, with an average rainfall of 140 cm, the most of which is received during south-west monsoon, with frosty nights from November to February. The maximum and minimum temperatures are 28°C and 0°C respectively.<ref name = tourindia/>

== History ==
The Government Botanical Garden, Udhagamandalm was established in 1848. Its architect was [[William Graham McIvor]].<ref>{{Citation
| last = D
| first = Radhakrishnan
| title = A tribute to creator of Ooty Botanical Garden
| newspaper = [[The Hindu]]
| location = India
| date = 9 Jun 2009
| url =http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/stories/2009060951000200.htm
| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090612080804/http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/stories/2009060951000200.htm
| url-status =dead
| archive-date =12 June 2009
}}</ref> The [[Marquis of Tweedale]] prepared the initial layout during the late 1840s. The gardens were established by a subscription of Rs 3 per month amongst the European residents for the purpose of supplying vegetables at a reasonable cost. During the time that Ootacamund was under British control, considerable cultivation of vegetables for the market was carried on by the European settlers and others. Captain Molyneux of the 2nd European Regiment managed the vegetable cultivation. The subscribers received vegetables free of cost. But this arrangement did not work out and in early 1847, a fund was raised by means of donations and subscriptions with a view to forming a [[horticultural society]] and a [[public gardens|public garden]].

There were very few [[horticulturist]]s at that time. Seeds and saplings were not available locally, but were available in nearby jungles. It was proposed to establish a public garden. For this purpose, a wood was selected between Lushington Hall (the Present [[Hebron School, Ooty|Hebron School]]) and General Sewell’s Property (the present [[Raj Bhavan (Ooty)|Raj Bhavan]]). Shortly after the formation of the society, the committee requested state aid for providing a scientific and practical gardener and funds to meet his salary. This suggestion was accepted and Mr.W.G.McIvor from the [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]] was sent to Ootacamund by the East India Company. He arrived in March 1848, converted the upper portion, which was a forest, and the lower portion, which was a swamp, into a beautiful garden. He submitted a report at the end of 1848 to the East India Company in London.<ref name ="London">[http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/Viewer.aspx?ref=ior!f!4!2399!129335_f037r], Report on the Ootacamund Gardens for 1848.</ref> He took ten years to complete the layout of the Garden.

== Collections ==
The Gardens have around a thousand [[species]], both [[Introduced species|exotic]] and [[Native plant|indigenous]], of [[plant]]s, [[shrub]]s, [[fern]]s, [[tree]]s, [[herbal]] and [[bonsai]] plants.<ref>{{Citation
| title = Ooty to host spices show for first time
| newspaper = [[The Hindu]]
| location = India
| date = 11 Mar 2010
| url = http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/11/stories/2010031157580500.htm
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100316074351/http://www.hindu.com/2010/03/11/stories/2010031157580500.htm
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 16 March 2010
}}</ref> In the centre of the Gardens lie a [[fossil]]ized tree trunk estimated to be 20 million years old. The Gardens consist of several lawns with flowering plants, ponds with lilies, beds of flowers and ferns laid out in an Italian style, several plots of flowering plants, a variety of medicinal plants.

== Sections ==
The present Botanical Gardens are divided into 6 sections namely Lower Garden, New Garden, Italian Garden, Conservatory, Fountain Terrace and Nurseries.<ref name= tngov/><ref name=sections>{{cite web|url=http://scstsenvis.nic.in/envis/new_page_53.htm |title=Tamil Nadu - Government Botanical Garden |publisher=Scstsenvis.nic.in |access-date=2011-01-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102141414/http://scstsenvis.nic.in/envis/new_page_53.htm |archive-date=2010-01-02 }}</ref>

=== Lower Garden ===
[[File:Ooty_Botanical_Garden_Map_of_India.jpg|thumb|Botanical Map of Indian States]]
The lower garden comprises the entrance and the lower lawns. The entrance of the garden leads into an extensive lush green lawn of Kikiyu grass (Pennisetum Clandestinum) which is known for its springy vigour.<ref name = tourindia>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourismindiatoday.com/ooty-botanical-garden|title=ooty botanical garden|publisher=Tourismindiatoday.com|access-date=2011-01-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924225602/http://www.tourismindiatoday.com/ooty-botanical-garden|archive-date=24 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> A fern house with 127 species of ferns is situated on the left along the road leading to [[Raj Bhavan (Ooty)|Raj Bhavan]] amidst another expanse of lawns and historic [[gatehouse]]s. The prime attractions in this section are the carpet-bet design of the map of the Indian Union laid out with selective plants and the fossil trunk of 20 million years old, erected on a pedestal.<ref name=live/>

Tree species of botanical interest such as ''[[Hymenosporum flavum]]'', ''[[Cordyline australis]]'', ''[[Cedrus deodara]]'', ''[[Cupressus funebris]]'', ''[[Araucaria bidwillii]]'', ''[[Cupressus macrocarpa]]'', ''[[Cryptomeria japonica]]'', ''[[Eucalyptus maculata]]'', ''[[Eucalyptus citriodora]]'', ''[[Salix babylonica]]'', ''Salix heterophylla'', ''[[Perenniporia podocarpi|Podocarpus taxifolia]]'', ''[[Dracaena lanuginosa]]'', ''[[Pinus patula]]'', ''[[Rhododendron arboreum]]'', ''[[Quercus prinus|Quercus montana]]'', ''[[Quercus cerris]]'', ''[[Quercus serrata]]'', ''[[Quercus griffithii]]'', ''[[Quercus ilex]]'', and ''[[Magnolia grandiflora]]'' can be seen alongside the lawn.<ref name=live/>

=== New Garden ===

The New garden developed recently, comprises the area between the front garden and the crescent-shaped pond at the bandstand. This section consists of:
* A rose garden with three hundred varieties of [[hybrid tea rose]]s, [[Floribunda (rose)|Floribunda]] and [[Garden roses#Polyantha|Polyanthas]] rose varieties.
* Large number of flowerbeds designed to match the slopes and contour of this area.
* Carpet-bed emblems of the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Government of India.
* Natural ponds with [[aquatic plants]].<ref name=live/>

Important tree species such as ''[[Taxodium mucronatum]]'', ''Pieris ovalifolia'', ''[[Juniperus virginiana]]'', ''[[Eucalyptus eugenioides]]'', ''[[Pinus wallichiana]]'', ''Photinia lindleyana'', ''[[Pinus canariensils]]'', ''[[Ginkgo biloba]]'', ''[[Araucaria cunninghamii]]'' and ''[[Cupressus lawsoniana]]'' are planted all over the section.<ref name=live/>

=== Italian Garden ===
This garden was first laid out by Italian prisoners of World War I, who were shifted to Ooty. They were placed under the control of the Military station in Ootacamund. [[Asters]], [[ageratum]], [[Impatiens|balsam]], [[begonia]], [[petunia]], [[pansy]], [[phlox]], [[Cosmos (plant)|cosmos]], [[zinnia]] and perennial flowers like [[salvia]], [[delphinium]], [[Consolida|larkspur]], and [[dahlia]] are the main attraction in this garden.<ref name=live/>

The informal landscape of the garden from the entrance, merge into the formal fashioned beds laid out in an Italian pattern, surrounding the centrally situated octagonal bandstand. This part of the garden looks attractive with several varieties of colourful annuals. In the foreground, is a crescent-shaped lily pond for growing several varieties of aquatic plant species. The tree species grown in this part of the garden are [[Prunus cerasoides]], Saurauja nepaulensis, [[Grevillea hilliana]], Aesculus punduana, [[Pinus sabineana]], [[Cupressus torulosa]], [[Syncarpia glomulifera]], [[Pinus roxburghii]], [[Albizzia julibrissin]] etc.<ref name=live/>

=== The Conservatory ===

The public conservatory was constructed in 1912 with the objective of grouping various flowering plants. Colourful annuals and perennials like [[Cineraria]], [[Schizanthus]], [[Calceolaria]], [[Impatiens|Balsam]], [[Cyclamen]], [[Gloxinia (genus)|Gloxinia]], [[Tuberous begonia]], [[Coleus]], [[Geranium]], [[Chrysanthemum]], [[Primulas]], Tydea, Achemenes etc., find a place in this conservatory.<ref name=live/>

The bog garden lies towards the east of this conservatory and forms an adjunct to provide a good site for marsh loving plants such as the [[Salix babylonica#Horticultural selections and related hybrids|Weeping willow]], [[Hedychium]], [[Arum]], [[Hydrangea]] etc.<ref name=live/>

=== The Nurseries ===

The nurseries which are about 300 feet above the lower lawns, consist of eight glass-houses and a series of terraces for introduction and breeding of exotic plants. The glass-houses are utilized for growing [[Begonias]], [[Fern]]s, [[Cacti]], [[Succulents]], [[Orchids]] and [[Bulbous]] plants for providing a continuous supply of potted plants to be grouped periodically in the conservatories. The terraces are utilised for growing plants for cut flowers, seed and also for trial purposes.<ref name=live>{{cite web|url=http://nilgirislive.com/nlnilpointerest.html |title=Places of Interest |publisher=Nilgirislive.com |access-date=2011-01-27 }}{{dead link|date=March 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

== The Flower Show ==
The first Flower Show was organised in the year 1896 by the Chairman of Nilgiris Agri-Horticultural Society, Mr.J.H.Tremenhere, the then Collector of Nilgiris.<ref name=TimesInd>{{Citation
| title =Ooty flower show opens today
| newspaper = [[The Times of India]]
| location = India
| date = 17 May 2002
| url =http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/Ooty-flower-show-opens-today/articleshow/10195215.cms
}}</ref> The Government has taken over the flower show from the Nilgiris Agri-horticultural society in 1980 by forming a committee called the Nilgiris Flower and Fruit Show Committee. The flower show attracts about 150,000 tourists each year from all over the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsagency.thecheers.org/South-Asia/news_24223_Flower-show-in-Ooty-attracts-tourists-from-across-the-country-and-abroad.html|title=Flower show in Ooty attracts tourists from across the country and abroad |publisher=Newsagency.thecheers.org|access-date=2011-01-22}}</ref>

The flower show is held for two days.<ref name=bg>{{cite web|url=http://www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in/flower_show.htm |title=FLOWER SHOW |publisher=Nilgiris.tn.gov.in |access-date=2011-01-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115125521/http://www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in/FLOWER_SHOW.htm |archive-date=2011-01-15 }}</ref> The inauguration of the show is held on the first day and on the second day, prizes are distributed to winners of various competitions held in connection with flower show. About 250 exhibitors participate in different categories on the day of flower show. Several government departments and voluntary agencies also display their activities for the benefits of the flower lovers and tourists.

More than 50 varieties of potted plants, 150 varieties of cut flowers, various kinds of tropical and temperate vegetables and tropical and temperate fruits are exhibited by the competitors. The Floral decorations, Indian and [[Ikebana|Japanese flower arrangements]], [[Vegetable carving]], Flower [[Rangoli]], [[Bonsai]] etc., are the major attractions during the show days. The exclusive cut flower stalls from large private and public gardens are also an attraction during the show days. 59 rolling cups, 250 cups and cash prizes are awarded to the best competitors and exhibitors.

A garden competition is also held involving Estate Gardens, Private Cottage Gardens, Public Gardens and various other categories of gardens, to create greater awareness among flower growers.<ref name=TimesInd/> On an average, about 200 gardens compete in the event. Garden competition is held prior to the flower show and best gardens are awarded prizes and cups.

== The Fossil Tree Trunk ==

The fossil tree trunk displayed in the garden is from 20 million years old.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030510/windows/main1.htm|title=Hills beckon again|publisher=Tribuneindia.com|access-date=2011-01-22}}</ref> Trees carried by rivers and deposited in inland lakes were transformed with replacement of the woody matter by silica give rise to fossil tree trunks (see [[Polystrate fossil]]). The fossil tree was presented by the Geological Survey of India, from the National Fossil Park, Tiruvakkarai, South Arcot district, Tamil Nadu.<ref name=sections/>

== Arboretum ==
Arboretum is defined as living collections of trees and other woody plants. The area of the arboretum is 1.58 ha. which was established during the year 1992 and maintained by Department of Horticulture with Hill Area Development Programme funds and it is situated near the lake, Udhagai. It was established with an aim of conserving native and indigenous trees. The micro watershed area leading to ooty lake was neglected and the feeder line feeding water to Ooty was contaminated with urban waste and agricultural chemicals. The area is the natural habitats of both indigenous and migratory birds. to conserve flora and fauna of the Nilgiri, the area was developed into the Arboretum. During the year 2005-2006, it was rehabilitated by the funds provided by the Hill Area Development Programme to the tune of 12.50 lakhs by providing permanent fencing, food path and other infrastructure facilities. Various indigenous and exotic tree species of are grown in arboretum and conserved. About 80 trees have been planted in the arboretum. The different type of tree species planted in arboretum are ''Alnus nepalensis, Calistemon lanceolatus, Cupressus macrocarpa, Eugenia apiculata, Hypericum hookerianum, Podocarpus elongata, Populus deltoids, Quercus macrocarpa Salix babylonica, Taxodium mucronatum, Prunus pissardii'' etc.

In order to add some more species to the arboretum the following tree species were also planted: ''Celtis tetrandra, [[Dillenia pentagyna]], Elaeocarpres ferrugineus, Elaeocarpres oblongus, Evodia lunuankenda, Glochidion neilgherrense, Ligustrum perrotetti, Litsaea ligustrina, Litsaea wightiana, Meliosma arnotiana, Meliosma wightii, [[Michelia champaca]], [[Michelia nilagirica]], [[Pygeum gardneri]], Syzygium amothanum, Syzygium montanum, [[Alnus nepalensis]], Viburnum erubescens, Podocarpus wallichianus, [[Rhodomyrtus tomentosa]], Rapanea wightiana, [[Ternstroemia japonica]], Microtropis microcarpa, [[Psychotria congesta]], Photinea notoniana, [[Cedrela toona]], Symplocos cochinchinensis, [[Elaeocarpus ganitrus]], [[Platanus orientalis]], Jacaranda mimosaefolia, and [[Magnolia grandiflora]]''

== The Toda Mund ==
The Garden is also famous for the Toda hill called the Toda mund. This place gives the visitors an insight into the lives of the original tribes of Ooty called the [[Toda people|Todas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tncsc.com/tncsc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=132&Itemid=95&limitstart=13|title=Tourism - Ooty|publisher=Tncsc.com|access-date=2011-01-22}}</ref>

==Photo gallery==
<gallery>
File:Cannon at Ooty Botanical Garden.jpg
File:Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam.jpg
File:Botanical Gardens - Ootacamund (Ooty) - India 01.JPG
File:Udhagamandalam Botanical Gardens.jpg
File:Garden ooty.jpg
File:Botanical Gardens - Ootacamund (Ooty) - India 02.JPG
File:Ooty Botanical Gardens.jpg
File:Echinocactus grusonii in Ooty Botanical Garden.jpg
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[List of botanical gardens in India]]
* [[List of botanical gardens]]
* [[Herbalism]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book | title=Biodiversity and its conservation in India| last=Negi| first=Sharad Singh| year=2010| pages=297| publisher=Indus Publishing Company| isbn=81-85182-88-4}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Government Botanical Gardens, Ooty}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110114053740/http://www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in/ooty.htm Ooty/Udhagai/Udhagamandalam/Ootacamund] Official history and tourism page on www.nilgiris.tn.gov.in. (This site is maintained by the District Administration of the Nilgiris)

{{Tourism in The Nilgiris}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Government Botanical Gardens, Udagamandalam}}
[[Category:Botanical gardens in India]]
[[Category:Culture of Ooty]]
[[Category:1847 establishments in British India]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Nilgiris district]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Ooty]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Ooty]]

Government Botanical Gardens, Ooty - Revision history

>GreenC bot: Rescued 2 archive links. Wayback Medic 2.5