The botanical garden in Basel, Switzerland is a beautiful and vibrant oasis of nature located in the heart of the city. Officially known as the "Botanischer Garten der Universität Basel," it is affiliated with the University of Basel and serves as both a research institution and a public garden.

The botanical garden is situated on a spacious plot of land and offers visitors a diverse collection of plant species from around the world. Its primary purpose is to educate and promote the study of botany, horticulture, and plant conservation. The garden serves as a valuable resource for researchers, students, and the general public interested in the botanical sciences.

The garden features various themed sections, each showcasing different plant species and ecosystems. These sections include a rock garden, an alpine garden, a water garden, a medicinal plant garden, and a tropical greenhouse. Each area is thoughtfully designed and maintained to provide an immersive and educational experience.

In the rock garden, visitors can explore an array of plants that thrive in rocky environments, including alpine flowers, shrubs, and grasses. The alpine garden replicates high-altitude ecosystems, showcasing plants adapted to harsh conditions found in mountainous regions.

The water garden is a tranquil space with ponds, streams, and water-loving plants. It provides a serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy and observe aquatic plants, such as water lilies and marsh plants.

The medicinal plant garden highlights various herbs and plants traditionally used for medicinal purposes. It offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural significance of these plants and their medicinal properties.

The tropical greenhouse is a haven of lush greenery, featuring a diverse range of exotic plants from tropical regions around the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in a humid and tropical environment while observing palms, orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical flora.

Apart from its impressive plant collections, the botanical garden also includes research facilities, herbariums, and laboratories that support scientific research and conservation efforts. It regularly conducts educational programs, workshops, and guided tours to engage the public and raise awareness about plant diversity and conservation.

The botanical garden in Basel provides a delightful escape from the bustling city, offering a serene and educational environment for all nature enthusiasts, students, and researchers alike. It is a place where visitors can connect with the wonders of the plant world and appreciate the beauty and importance of botanical diversity.

How to re-pot Sansevierias in the spring for healthier growth

Sansevierias, commonly known as snake plants or mother-in-law's tongue, are popular houseplants due to their unique appearance, low maintenance requirements, and air-purifying abilities. With their tall, sword-like leaves and ability to thrive in a wide range of indoor conditions, sansevierias make excellent additions to any home or office. As spring approaches, it's an ideal time to consider re-potting your sansevierias to ensure their continued health and growth. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of re-potting sansevierias in the spring and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to do it successfully.

Why Re-pot Sansevierias in the Spring?

Spring is the optimal time to re-pot sansevierias for several reasons. Firstly, the arrival of warmer weather and longer days signals the start of the growing season for many plants, including sansevierias. Re-potting in spring allows the plants to take advantage of the increased sunlight and warmth, which can promote faster root growth and overall plant vigor.

Secondly, sansevierias are slow-growing plants that prefer to be slightly root-bound. However, over time, they can outgrow their pots and become pot-bound, with roots circling around the container's edges. Re-potting in spring gives you the opportunity to refresh the potting mix and provide your sansevierias with fresh nutrients to support healthy growth throughout the growing season.

Lastly, spring is a time when many houseplants, including sansevierias, may experience increased growth and vitality. Re-potting during this time can help reduce transplant shock and promote faster recovery, allowing your sansevierias to establish themselves in their new pots more quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Re-potting Sansevierias

Re-potting sansevierias may seem daunting, but with the right tools and technique, it can be a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to re-pot your sansevierias in the spring:

1. Gather Your Materials: You'll need a new pot that is slightly larger than the current one, fresh potting mix suitable for succulents or well-draining soil, a trowel or spoon for digging, and gloves for protection.

2. Prepare the New Pot: Fill the new pot with enough potting mix to provide a stable base for the sansevierias. Leave enough space at the top to accommodate the plant's base.

3. Remove the Plant from the Old Pot: Carefully remove the sansevieria from its old pot by gently loosening the roots with your fingers or a tool. Be cautious not to damage the roots or leaves in the process.

4. Inspect the Roots: Take a close look at the roots to check for any signs of rot or damage. Trim away any brown or mushy roots with clean pruning shears or scissors.

5. Plant in the New Pot: Place the sansevieria in the center of the new pot, making sure it is upright and at the same depth as it was in the old pot. Add more potting mix around the roots, pressing it gently to secure the plant in place.

6. Water and Settle the Soil: Water the newly re-potted sansevierias lightly, allowing the water to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets. Avoid overwatering, as sansevierias prefer to be kept on the drier side.

7. Place in Optimal Conditions: After re-potting, place the sansevierias in a location with bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. Avoid placing them in direct

Out of more than 1'000 submitted works for the very popular annual photo competition, which Swiss Photo Club has received, my floral photo works are on the 39th place after the professional jury vote.

You are cordially invited to the vernissage. This will take place on Thursday, 16.03.2023, between 17-20:00 in the PhotoBastei / the "House of Photography" in the heart of Zurich at Limmatplatz (Sihlquai 125 (2nd and 3rd floor), 8005 Zurich).

You will then have the opportunity to view the entire exhibition until 25.03.2023. I look forward to welcoming you in person at the vernissage. Kind regards, TOMas

You may wish to consider this as invitation to my next PHOTO ART vernissage; this time I am presenting 16 floral photo ART works from 40x40cm to 100x70cm at the medical practise Kalbreite in Zurich/Switzerland. All the exhibited photos (behind acrylic gras) can be seen only during the vernissage as some of them are hanging in the practise rooms directly. However the magic tulip - peony series (90x70cm) can be seen any time at the main reception directly. I am happy to see you there as "plant & art LOVE CONNECTS"!