a Botanical Garden in Belize, Belize Botanic Gardens

Aside December 10, 2020 Judy

News From Belize Botanic Gardens

Belize Botanic Gardens is the largest botanical garden in Belize. BBG was opened to the public in 1997. Cleared farmland as late as 1993, our garden now extensive collections of native and exotic plants and trees.

One of our many features is a traditional Maya House where groups can arrange to make tamales over a wood fire. Let one of our experienced guides show you Belize Botanic Gardens’ Maya Medicine Trail. This trail features many native medicinal and useful plants.

A Story From A Botanical Garden in Belize:

Once there was a young boy whose father told him to stay whose elderly grandfather was a learned medicine man. The boy’s father sent him to stay with his grandfather to learn about the forest. So the boy went to stay with his grandfather. Every day they would walk in the forest and study the trees and plants so the boy could learn.

Traditional Maya House At Belize Botanic Gardens, a Botanical Garden in Belize

One day the grandfather told the boy to go to the forest and bring him back a plant that was not useful. He was gone for several days and finally came back feeling defeated. “I could not find this plant, Grandfather,” he said. “I am very sorry because I know that you will not be here long and I feel that I have failed you.”

“No, No, my boy,” the grandfather said, “It is because you have learned well and now know that every plant in the forest has its use.”

Other Features: Nursery, Trails, and More

In addition to the Maya House and Medicine Trail, Belize Botanic Gardens contains many other features. Among these features are a Native Orchid House, Palm Area and Cycad Circle. There is a tea trail where you can (by reservation) sample teas made from plants grown on the trail. Also featured is a rainforest trail and a tower which overlooks the gardens.

Gardens and Nursery Opening Hours:

Belize Botanic Gardens opens daily at 7am (Entrance Fee BZ$15) and we recommend a guided tour (BZ$30) so that you won’t miss anything. If you are not taking a guided tour, there is a self-guide booklet which offers a lot of useful information. It’s also fine to spend your time just walking the trails and enjoying being up close and personal with nature.

If you live in Belize, visit our nursery to purchase plants and discuss your landscaping needs.

When we opened in 1997, we were the only Botanical Garden in Belize. Now there are several more, all worth a visit.