My most current presentation:
Le Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier, 1593-2011
March 9th, 2012, Noon - Botany Lunch Fridays, 1002 VLSB, UC Berkeley Campus
(from the VLSB North Entrance, use the handicapped ramp - under the main stairs - to get to the first floor, and room 1002 is the first door on the left). Easily accessible from Dowtown Berkeley BART.
In 2000, I was introduced to Le Jardin des Plantes by my friend, Olivier Filippi, well known plantsman and author. Our aim was to visit the herbarium so that I could have a chance to view specimens of plants I'd be researching at that time, but I was enthralled not only with being able to handle dried specimens hundreds of years old, but also to see the history steeped in the grounds of the garden and this section of Montpellier.
I was hooked!
Since that and subsequent visits, I've come to learn more about this, France's oldest botanical garden and one of the longest continuous running herbarium in Europe. My main attempt in preparing this talk was to make other botanists aware of this French treasure, but as I researched further the bits and pieces I already had for my presentation, I came to know more and more interesting facts that just couldn't be left out!
The resulting talk is rich in historical detail as well as botanical events, all of which I believe relates to the whole appreciation of this unique location. I do provide an overview of important scientific events relating to this garden, but whether or not you are botanically minded, I think you'll find the information I'll discuss of interest.
Sample slides:
(I am happy to consider scheduling this talk with other interested groups)
