Why do some botanical gardens organize plants by their geographic origins?

Botanical gardens organize plants by their geographic origins to showcase the flora of distinct ecosystems and regions, providing visitors with an educational experience that highlights the natural diversity of different parts of the world.1

By creating specialized displays—such as Japanese, Chinese, or Ottoman gardens—institutions can integrate architectural motifs and cultural elements unique to those specific geographic areas alongside the native or acclimatized plants. This approach allows gardens to function as important cultural resources, offering urban dwellers a connection to natural environments they might not otherwise access.12

Furthermore, these geographic layouts serve as a practical method for managing plant collections. Because plants from similar regions often share environmental requirements, grouping them can help gardens simulate the specific conditions necessary for their survival, such as using greenhouses to replicate tropical rainforest climates or arid environments for succulents and cacti. While many gardens also organize plants according to their taxonomic relationships, geographic grouping remains a common and effective strategy for both aesthetic design and the practical exhibition of diverse plant life.132