On 24 February UP Campus Tour 2025 had the privilege of setting off on a green tour led by the head of the University of Pretoria’s Botanical Garden, Mr. Jason Sampson and his colleague Mr. Richard Hay. This green journey through UP’s extensive collection of plants was significant for the UPCT 2025 group because it aligns with our current theme of ‘Going Green’.

From UP’s Botanical Garden’s beginning in 1924, the collection of living plants has served the purposes of education, conservation, research and community involvement for just over a century. Mr. Sampson and Mr Hay take great pride in the botanical spaces on campus and their contribution to biodiversity. The natural beauty forms a space where environment awareness is promoted. One highlight was the ‘Giving Garden’, which is an ecological project that fosters a hands-on learning experience for students, where they can garden, maintain and enjoy the green produce The UPCT 2025 group was also given the opportunity to become involved in a space in the “Giving Garden”. This hands-on initiative contributes to the mission of becoming a green-minded community.

The tour along the green path engaged all our senses as we were allowed to observe, touch, smell and taste throughout this remarkable experience. The tour was filled with new and wondrous discoveries and interesting stories, including the walking onion that originated in the Silk Road as well as an orphan crop, the indigenous tree spinach. Both Mr Sampson and Mr Hay left us with a lasting impression of the importance of the environment and what UP’s century-old gardens have to offer.

We as UPCT 2025 intend to make it our mission to celebrate these beautiful gardens that surround us on Hatfield campus and to follow the path less travelled to experience their beauty. Join us for a UP campus green tour to discover the roots of the University of Pretoria. ([email protected] or 012 420 5155)