First built in 1856, the System Garden is one of the oldest teaching gardens in Australia. Plants are arranged by subclass and family, giving visitors the opportunity to learn by comparing the form and flower structure of different plant families. 

Originally called the University Botanic Garden, it was used by Botany students. The garden is a reflection of Nineteenth century approaches to plant classification, in an attempt to match the facilities being used in British universities at the time. The labelling system was developed at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

The garden fell into disrepair in the early 20th Century after a period of economic downturn. The garden has undergone many changes and restorations over the last 100 years, and is now only a quarter of its original size. 

For more information, visit https://sustainablecampus.unimelb.edu.au/the-system-garden