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The Ottoman Garden, which opened in August 2006 next to the historic Linnean House conservatory, is a unique quarter-acre walled garden that makes public and carries on the little-known but great gardening tradition of the Ottomans. It is particularly significant because there are no surviving examples of this type, which was developed between the 16th and 19th centuries in what is now Turkey.

It is especially fortuitous that St. Louis and Istanbul, the Imperial capital of the Ottoman Empire, lie roughly at the same 40-degree latitude, offering the climatic opportunity to feature many of the same plants. Within the garden’s private courtyard, traditional plantings include citrus and various hardy fruits, fragrant roses, classic Turkish tulips and drifts of bulbs, aromatic herbs, pomegranate, and colorful perennials. Visitors’ senses are piqued by the visually lush and peaceful setting, the fragrance of blossoms and herbs, the refreshing music of water, the earthy patina of surrounding walls and columns and the feel of antique brick and stone beneath their feet.

There is an impressive architectural component as well; the entry features a double wooden door gateway within an aged stucco wall with a gabled, terracotta tile roof overhead. Iron grille windows offer enticing views of the garden within. An inscription in the Osmanli script painted in blue above the arched doorway at the south entrance honors the garden’s benefactor.

Various fountains and architectural elements fabricated in Turkey for the Ottoman Garden provide a strong sense of authenticity. A stone pedestal fountain, or cheshme, invites visitors to rinse their hands in the cooling water. A juniper allee leads the visitor to the central focal point, a shallow pool of water, the havuz. Water spouts gently from the small jets along its rim, circling the stone water bowl in the center, the Source of Life giving birth to the River of Paradise.

At the rear of the garden, a paved patio covered with a wooden arbor, or chardak is planted with grapes. A textured stucco wall with tiled roof, painted murals and birdhouses are the backdrop for the patio, set off by the gentle sound of water spilling from the tiers of the fountain, or selsebil.

The Ottoman Garden was made possible by a gift from the late Edward L. Bakewell, Jr.

The Missouri Botanical Garden’s mission is “to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment, in order to preserve and enrich life.” Today, 150 years after opening, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science and conservation, education and horticultural display. Missouri Botanical Garden: Green for 150 Years.

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