Graz 3 : Botanical Gardens

3. Botanical Gardens

We went to check out the Botanical gardens: amidst bourgois villas in Schubertstraße, three converging slanted parabolic cylinders in acrylic glass arise. Different climate zones in each glasshouse. On the way, we stopped by a farmers market on the south end of Stadtpark near Rechbaurstraße. Pumpkins, isabellas (tiny grapes : lovely fleshy texture, sweet), flowers, bread. A warm feeling.

We actually weren't sure which parts we could walk into and which we couldn't. You don't really know whom to ask either, if that makes sense. Get the feeling that not all is what they seem, maybe it's because of all the glass buildings in this city. Interestingly glass is one of the few materials on earth that is natural and bio-degradable.


One of the concrete walls.
I noticed the nail studs were neatly in place. The whole place felt solid where things could last forever, not much changes and that time stood still.


The same wall.
Which was what greeted us near the front. Perhaps a glimpse into one of the differences between the 'efficient' Germanic trait and what I shall call the 'controlled artistic' trait of the Austrians.


Just around the back of the side wall, was this long green 'smear' of life.




One of the glasshouses.


A 36.5m arched walkbridge without supporting columns. Built between front building and the back building which we found out later, housed the Institute of Plant Physiology.
We had seen a couple of guys drinking coffee on the top floor patio balcony, as we walked into the gardens. Thought yes, coffee sounds like a great idea after visiting the climate glasshouses. Took the lift up, oops looked like it was private offices. I kid you not, no-one bats an eyelid or approach you with a security badge (like they do in London).


I decided not to put any of the plant photos in (just to be different!) and show you how lush and vibrant the plantlife inside the glasshouses were.

This is my friend's fave location. She's into botany and lives near Kew Gardens so ... 'nuff said.