This is the oldest part of the whole garden. It is surrounded by high stone walls to protect the plants from wind and cold. Inside, the garden is divided into square beds, each one showing plants from a different plant family – just like a big green family tree!

Some of the plants here are used in cooking, like thyme and mint. Others are used in medicine, like chamomile or lavender. You can also find plants from all over the world, with signs showing where they come from.

Fun fact: This garden once grew food and herbs for Oxford students who studied medicine over 300 years ago!

Look out for:

• Smelly herbs like mint or rosemary

• Plant name signs (look for your country!)

• Different colours, shapes, and smells
  
  

✏️ Your Task:

• Find a plant from your home country.

• Choose a plant and write its name. What is it used for?

• How many colours can you see? Write down at least 3.
  
  

The Rock Garden shows how plants can grow in tough places – high mountains, dry lands, or cold cliffs. These plants are small and strong. They often grow between stones and need little water.

You will see plants from the Alps, Himalayas, and New Zealand. Many have bright flowers and hairy leaves that help them survive wind and sun.

Fun fact: Some mountain plants grow so slowly that it can take 50 years to become the size of your hand!

Look out for:

• Tiny flowers growing between rocks

• Plants with hairy or thick leaves

• Bees or insects visiting flowers
  
  

Your Task:

• Choose one plant. What makes it special or different?

• Can you find a plant that looks like it lives in a desert?

• What colours do you see here? Write down 2–3.

In this section, you’ll find plants that help people feel better. Some have been used for hundreds of years, and others are still used in modern medicine today.

There are plants to help with sleep, stomach pain, cuts, and more. Some are common, like aloe vera, and some are very rare.

Fun fact: The garden once worked with Oxford doctors to study how plants could cure diseases – some of these studies helped create real medicine!

👀 Look out for:

• A plant used in tea

• Leaves with strong smells (mint, lemon balm)

• A plant with a warning sign (some are dangerous!)
  
  

✏️ Your Task:

• Can you find three plants used for healing?

• Write down one plant and its use.

• Does your country use plants as medicine? Which ones?

This is the hottest part of the garden! Inside these large glass buildings, you will see tropical plants from rainforests and deserts.

Some have giant leaves, bright flowers, or unusual shapes. You’ll walk through hot, wet air and might feel like you're in the jungle!

Fun fact: The garden’s banana plant produces real fruit – but only when the air stays warm for months!

👀 Look out for:

• A banana tree or a palm

• Water droplets on leaves

• A plant climbing the wall
  
  

✏️ Your Task:

• What does the air feel like inside?

• Can you find a plant that grows tall?

• Choose one strange leaf or flower and draw it.
  
  

This peaceful path runs along the edge of the garden, next to the River Cherwell. You can see boats, birds, and trees along the river. This is also where you can see part of Merton College, one of the oldest colleges at Oxford University.

Fun fact: Some famous Oxford students came here to walk and think. It was their favourite place to write poetry or study quietly.

👀 Look out for:

• Ducks, swans, or boats

• Big college buildings near the river

• People relaxing or walking their dogs
  
  

✏️ Your Task:

• Take a deep breath and relax – what was your favourite stop?

• What plant or story do you remember best?

• Talk with a friend: What would you like to learn more about?