The world in which botanic gardens were first conceived is far different from the one in which we find ourselves. Our climate has changed and continues to do so at a rapid pace, so that what we can cultivate now is changed from what we could historically, and this change will continue. Our purpose has moved beyond private education to now include public education, recreation and social amenity with our gates open to all. Conservation beyond those species useful to society has developed significantly. We are not only scientific resources, but event spaces, green refuges, and habitat.

The form and function of a botanic garden has not deviated much from those first established centuries ago, despite these shifts in purpose and context. Considering what we are and what we do, and the climate related challenges we face, what might a botanic garden look like that purely serves our needs now and into the future?

This workshop will walk attendees through a reimagining of their living collections and landscapes to consider more than what is and what could be. What mirror are we reflecting to those who engage in our spaces, and can we continue to grow plants in ever increasing hostile environments - what are we prepared to change to remain relevant? Can plants continue to be everything to everyone? We break down the sum of all our parts to critically reimagine botanic gardens of the future.