Orman Garden

What is Orman Garden?

Orman Garden covers about 28 acres in Giza and is known for its variety of plant collections. Visitors can walk through themed areas like the rock garden, rose beds, cactus displays, and a pond filled with lotus plants. The garden also has a small botanical museum with plant specimens and historical furniture. Throughout the grounds, there are paths shaded by palms, conifers, and bamboo, making it a peaceful place for plant lovers and families.

The history of Orman Garden

The garden was established in 1875 by Khedive Isma'il Pasha as part of his palace grounds. Its design was created by the French landscape architect Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps. Over time, the garden's area was reduced, and it became a public botanical garden in the early 20th century, coming under the care of Egypt's Ministry of Agriculture. The name 'Orman' comes from Turkish, meaning 'the forest'.

What there is to see

The garden is divided into several themed sections, each focusing on different plant groups. There are areas for roses, cacti, succulents, palms, and aquatic plants. The lotus pond is a highlight. The botanical museum on site preserves plant samples and historical items. Orman Garden also maintains a seed bank and publishes a list of its seeds for exchange with other gardens.

When to go

Orman Garden is open to the public year-round, but it is especially popular during the annual spring floral exhibition. The Spring Festival, held since 1920, takes place in March and April. During this event, plant growers and companies display ornamental plants, cut flowers, seeds, and gardening supplies. Visitors can also find local crafts, honey, and souvenirs.

Parts and collections

The garden's plant collections include a range of species such as Acacia nilotica, Albizia lebbeck, Balanites aegyptiaca, Cyperus papyrus, Hyphaene thebaica, Luffa aegyptiaca, and strelitzia. There are also collections of conifers, palms, bamboo, ficus, and succulents. The cactus and rose gardens are notable highlights.

Why Orman Garden matters

Orman Garden is a well-known destination for plant enthusiasts and families in Egypt. Its annual spring floral exhibition is a major event in Cairo's cultural calendar, attracting visitors from across the country. The garden's history links it to Egypt's royal past and to the development of public green spaces in the region.

The flowers of Orman Garden

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursCactusSucculent plants with spines, native to the AmericasSacred lotusThe pink aquatic flower sacred in Asia and grown for food, worship and beautyAcaciaShrubs and trees with golden or cream puffball flowers, native mostly to AustraliaLotusAquatic plants with large, round leaves and striking flowers called lotusCommon bird's-foot trefoilA yellow pea-flowered wild plant found in grasslands and fieldsStrelitziaTall South African plants with fan-shaped leaves and striking bird-like blooms

Questions people ask about Orman Garden

Good reading and sources

• Orman Garden on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data