Amsterdam, The Netherlands –

We had passed by several times, fascinated by the huge greenhouse on the edge of the canal.

It was obviously some sort of botanical garden.

And it made sense; after all we were staying just down the street, directly across from the zoo.

All we had to do was turn left as we exited our hotel, and within a couple of blocks, we would find ourselves walking past the entrance.

So, after a couple of days, Dore wanted to see what they might have hidden behind those walls.

After all, she loves flowers and plants.

As for myself, I’m fascinated by unusual looking plants.

Ones you don’t normally see in people’s flower gardens.

Neither of us was disappointed.

It was like stepping back into a living part of city history.

From back when Amsterdam was a center of international trade.

Back when the city sent ships to all corners of the known world, returning with all sorts of discoveries and goods to sell and trade.

Back when Europe was struck with the plague.

Continue reading A History of Plants – Hortus Botanicus →