Historic Georgikon Botanical Garden Opens to the Public in Keszthely

Keszthely

On Thursday, the Georgikon Campus Botanical Garden of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences (MATE) in Keszthely, located on the western shore of Lake Balaton, officially opened its doors to the public. Established in 1967, the garden offers a unique space for education, research, and environmental appreciation.

Csaba Gyuricza, rector of MATE, said at the opening ceremony that practical training is very important at a university specializing in agricultural and life sciences, in addition to theoretical training. The latter can take place not only at companies, business associations, local governments, or various sectoral organizations, but also at botanical gardens and arboretums, as they can provide significant assistance and practical support in the fields of botany and other fundamental sciences.

An arboretum is a living museum, where plants and natural treasures are displayed outside showcases. It is also a living classroom, not confined to a building, and serves as a living laboratory.

For a university, the arboretum is a venue for scientific background and research, for example, the site of fungal experiments, but it also provides opportunities for student research and scientific work by teachers, the rector noted.

He explained that Georgikon has been at the forefront of theoretical and practical training since its foundation in the early 1800s, and that an arboretum was established during the time of György Festetics, which was replaced in the 1960s by the botanical garden that is now open to visitors.

In order for a development to be visible and of high quality, hundreds of millions or billions are not needed, what is needed are supporters and volunteers to help renew the arboretum.

It is also important to note that Georgikon not only has a past, but also a very stable present and an even stronger future, as shown by the admission data and the university’s results,”

said Csaba Gyuricza.

He added that in the future, the arboretum will not only serve education, research, and scientific work, but will also open up to the city and the region, providing space for environmental education and spiritual and intellectual enrichment.

Marcell Sáringer-Kenyeres, head of the botanical garden revealed that the arboretum, which was established in 1967, covers six hectares behind the university dormitory.

In addition to landscaping, new benches and birdhouses have been installed, and visitors can read the names of all plant species on information boards.

Via MTI; Featured photo: Pixabay

The post Historic Georgikon Botanical Garden Opens to the Public in Keszthely appeared first on Hungary Today.

Source link