At around 30 acres, the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens are the largest in Israel. They hold over 6,000 species and varieties of plants from around the world, which are displayed geographically. The 6 phytogeographical sections cover Southern Africa, Europe, North America, Australia, South-West and Central Asia and the Mediterranean. The sections simulate the landscapes of these areas. The gardens' Japanese section contains over 150 bonsai trees, the largest concentrated collection of bonsai trees in the world. The 500 metre long "Bible Path" is planted with most of the 70 species that scientists have identified as some of the 400 types of plants mentioned in the Bible.
The reason for our visit to the gardens was to see the augmented reality contemporary art exhibition "Seeing the Invisible", above. It is the first exhibition of its kind to be developed in collaboration with
botanical gardens around the world and is on view simultaneously at twelve
different gardens. The participating gardens all present
the same exhibition, but as the works are augmented into the unique
surroundings and context of each garden, the exhibition is experienced
differently against the backdrop of each location.
The exhibition can only be viewed by visiting the participating gardens and through the "Seeing the Invisible" app on your phone. It features thirteen augmented reality works by established artists from various countries. By setting these digital experiences inside botanical gardens - without disturbing the environment and keeping the carbon footprint to a minimum - the exhibition explores the boundaries and connections between art, technology and nature. We explored the botanical gardens, locating the artworks scattered throughout them. Several friends had told me that I needed to see the exhibition, so I was hopeful! However, I must admit that Mister Handmade in Israel and I both felt that we were missing out on the real beauty of the gardens because we were so busy focusing on our phones!
The gardens serve as a safe haven for many endangered plants and contain more than three hundred other species of local plants that are endangered or are already extinct in Israel. In addition, the botanical gardens have a large seed collection, which is used for breeding plants in the garden plots and for distribution to botanical gardens around the world.
Cultural events and recreational activities are held at the gardens throughout the year. The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens run a gardening and landscape school, which operates in the botanical gardens. It trains professional gardeners and holds various courses for the general public as well.
The botanical gardens also offer a variety of social and community programs such as therapeutic gardening sessions, occupational rehabilitation, volunteer opportunities, botanical gardeners scholarship programs, guided tours, activities for senior citizens, farming and more.
* This post has been shared on My Corner of the World, Wednesday Around the World, Little Things Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things Party, Friday Bliss and Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday).
22 comments:
You had my attention with the title of botanical garden. Lovely photos - looks like a great place to spend time. Thanks for sharing!
I love botanical gardens and I would love to see this one some day!
...I love botanical gardens and this one is lovely, thanks for taking me along.
Loved going on this tour with you!
I do love a botanical garden. The Bible Path sounds like a lovely idea and I agree that I'd rather appreciate the plants, rather than stare at a phone! xx
That's a gorgeous place!
How appropriate that the Bible Path is planted with most of the 70 species that scientists recognise from plants mentioned in the Bible. I hope the botanists have written detailed labels, since I won't recognise the plants by myself.
You looks so nice on that one photo. What a nice flowers in this botanical garden. Thanks for sharing them. I like the blue flowers above all! They are very tall, I think. And what a nice color they have.
https://momentsfrozentime.blogspot.com/
Botanical gardens are always interesting places to visit. What a great idea to have a digital art exhibition in them. That was certainly a wonderful experience.
Always love to see another botanical garden - like the display of seeing the invisible:) The orchids are a serious contender:) Thanks for sharing the beauty here, Lisa.
I loved reading about The Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and your photos are beautiful! How interesting that the gardens have so many of the plants mentioned in the Bible. I've never been to an augmented reality exhibition. To be honest, I have never actually heard of one. But if I ever see one advertised near me I would definitely love to go! Thanks so much for sharing xx
#mmbc
Stunning botanical gardens. The augmented reality contemporary art exhibition sounds interesting but like you, I think I would rather take in the sights than keep having to check my phone. Lovely pics. xx
I love seeing all the different flowers from different places in botanic gardens. Some lovely ones here #pocolo
This is right up my alley! The bonsai trees must have been a unique experience. Conservatories are always full of wonderful, lush plants. That would have been one of my favorites too. What an amazing place to display and view artwork too. I see an ice plant (what we call them here) in one of your photos. We grow those in our yard as a gorgeous groundcover.
Oh I just love exploring botanical gardens! There are so many great variety of plants and that virtual exhibit sounds neat.
Really beautiful photos, what a gorgeous place to visit. Thank you for sharing with us. I really want to visit our local botanical gardens now.
I too would prefer to just look at the beautiful plants and flowers. It's amazing that they are able to replicate the different climate and growing zones. And it looks as if they have done a wonderful job.
They're lovely. This augmented reality art exhibitions are really in at the moment - we had one on the streets of Barangaroo and for one of the Lunar New Year's there were Dragons everywhere in World Square....
How lovely! What a wonderful outing you had! Thanks for sharing it at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2022/05/yowzah.html
I do have to agree with you on staring at the phone while you are in a beautiful garden really takes away from the enjoyment. I am so glad you had a great time there despite the shortcoming of the exhibition. Love the photos.
-Soma
What lovely gardens. So pretty. Congratulations, you are being featured on Thursday Favorite Things.
I hope you stop by.
https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2022/05/thursday-favorite-things-party_0388177731.html
Hugs,
Bev
Great shots.
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