Baguio Botanical Garden

What is Baguio Botanical Garden?

Baguio Botanical Garden is a green space in the city, featuring a mix of native and ornamental plants. The grounds include themed gardens, a sunflower patch, and collections of dahlias, cacti, succulents, marguerites, and orchids. Sculptures and huts inspired by Igorot culture are scattered throughout, along with art galleries and a long tunnel from the Second World War. Friendship gardens represent several countries, each with unique structures and statues.

The history of Baguio Botanical Garden

Originally a zoo, the park was renamed Imelda Park in 1970 by President Ferdinand Marcos to honor his wife. Over time, it shifted focus from animals to plants and cultural displays. The garden closed for almost a year in 2021 for renovations, which improved accessibility and aesthetics. Its various names reflect its changing roles and the diverse influences on Baguio’s history.

What there is to see

The garden is arranged with different plant beds and themed areas. Visitors can walk through gardens dedicated to specific flowers, such as dahlias and sunflowers, or explore sections with cacti and succulents. The Igorot Village area features traditional huts and wood carvings. The friendship gardens highlight cultural elements from countries like Japan, China, and the United States. Artworks and a historic tunnel add to the experience.

When to go

Open daily from morning to evening, the garden attracts both residents and tourists. People come to enjoy the plants, take photos, and learn about local and international cultures. The park is also a venue for art exhibits and community gatherings. Its World War II tunnel and cultural sculptures make it a place for both leisure and education.

Parts and collections

The garden includes several themed sections: the Igorot Village with native architecture and carvings, friendship gardens for different countries, and plant displays focused on flowers like dahlias and sunflowers. Art galleries and rotating exhibits by local artists add variety to each visit.

Why Baguio Botanical Garden matters

Baguio Botanical Garden is a symbol of the city’s blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Igorot-inspired features celebrate the region’s indigenous people. The friendship gardens reflect Baguio’s ties with other countries. The World War II tunnel stands as a reminder of the city’s wartime history, while the park’s changing names mark its evolving identity.

The flowers of Baguio Botanical Garden

Common sunflowerA tall annual plant grown for its large yellow flower heads and edible seedsOrchidA vast family of colourful, often fragrant flowers found almost everywhere on earthCactusSucculent plants with spines, native to the AmericasDahliaA bushy perennial with tuberous roots and bright, star-shaped bloomsArgyranthemumDaisy-like flowers from the Macaronesian islands, grown for summer colourMarguerite daisyA bushy daisy shrub from the Canary Islands with white, yellow or pink bloomsTree dahliaA towering dahlia with lavender-pink flowers from the mountains of Central America

Questions people ask about Baguio Botanical Garden

Good reading and sources

• Baguio Botanical Garden on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data