Modern botanic gardens have multiple roles, including conducting scientific research on botany, promoting biodiversity reservation and protection, and enhancing public engagement in science through education. This paper reviews the development of botanic gardens in the United Kingdom to identify the roles of these institution undertook in different phases. Moreover, this paper examines the school education programs offered by the British botanic gardens. Finally, some suggestions are offered for the development of botanic garden education in China. These suggestions include: (1) highlighting the educational role of the botanic gardens; (2) developing school education programs based on the requirements of the national curriculum; (3) enhancing the collaborative relationship between the botanic garden and local schools; and (4) offering teacher training programs to local schools.

botanic gardens  /  science education  /  environmental education  /  learning in informal settings