EuroGard 10: Connecting Europe’s Botanic Gardens for a Sustainable Future

In this article, we share highlights from the 10th European Botanic Gardens Congress in Rome, celebrating collaboration, digital innovation, and the vital role of plant records in ecological restoration.

The 10th European Botanic Gardens Congress (EuroGard 10) brought together hundreds of delegates from across Europe and beyond, uniting botanic gardens, arboreta, universities, and conservation networks under the shared theme of ecological restoration and the role of botanic gardens in a changing world.

Held from 22–26 September 2025 in Rome, Italy, the congress was co-hosted by the Botanic Gardens of Rome, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), and BGCI (Botanic Gardens Conservation International).

The week combined inspiring keynote talks, poster presentations, and garden excursions that celebrated collaboration and innovation within Europe’s botanical community.

IrisBG at EuroGard

As part of our commitment to supporting the global plant records community, IrisBG participated as an exhibitor and presenter.

Presentation: The Power of Plant Records to Engage a Wide Audience — delivered by Shanna T. Jones, focused on using interactive online plant records to connect diverse audiences and expand accessibility.

Exhibition Booth: Øyvind Rustan and Shanna T. Jones joined colleagues and partners at the FAO Headquarters exhibition area, sharing updates on software developments and meeting garden representatives from across Europe who are looking to implement digital solutions for plant documentation and public engagement.

The congress provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with current users and meet new gardens implementing digital plant-records systems across Europe.

Key Themes and Highlights 

EuroGard 10 emphasized the essential contributions of botanic gardens to ecological restoration, plant conservation, and environmental education. Sessions and talks explored:

• Restoration and reintroduction programs that safeguard threatened species.
• Digital plant records and citizen-science initiatives that bridge research and public involvement.
• Collaborative conservation networks such as BGCI, World Flora Online, and other national garden alliances.

Presentations from colleagues and partners—including BGCI, the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Gothenburg Botanic Garden, and University of Leiden Botanic Garden—showcased inspiring examples of restoration, data management, and sustainable garden practice.

Delegates also enjoyed excursions to the wood of Palo laziale, Villa Gregoriana, and the Gardens of Ninfa in addition to social events at the Botanic Gardens of Rome, providing a perfect backdrop for networking and shared learning.

Looking Ahead

The next EuroGard Congress will be hosted in Oslo, Norway, continuing the tradition of uniting Europe’s botanic gardens to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration. IrisBG is proud to support gardens that contribute to these efforts—helping institutions document, manage, and share their plant collections as vital tools for research, restoration, and education.