Since it opened in 1931, the Montréal Botanical Garden has applied the scientific method in all its activities, an approach that has won it international recognition. The scientific aspects of the Garden's work are overseen by the Scientific Research and Development Division, which is responsible for managing the plant collections, directing research activities and managing the library and media library, two important reference centres.  MANAGING PLANT COLLECTIONS  RESEARCH ACTIVITIES  MANAGING REFERENCE CENTERS Please, visit the French version for more information about: Research reports and updates, Annual report, Plant Collection Management Policy, etc. 1. Managing plant collections Our plant collections of close to 21,000 species and cultivars are strictly managed, using a computerized inventory and indexing system. This allows us to monitor the evolution and history of each specimen in the Garden, and at the same time simplifies identification and exchanges. New specimens are acquired and new collections developed to meet the Garden's scientific, educational and cultural objectives. PLANT COLLECTIONS | STATISTICS BY PLANT FAMILIES COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT POLICY (pdf) HOW DOES THE GARDEN ACQUIRE ITS PLANTS? (in French) 2. Research activities The Garden's team of botanists carries out different research projects. Their research themes correspond to the Botanical Garden's general priorities, and focus on either plant growth and physiology or issues linked to the development and ecology of urban parks. Various current research projects add to our botanical and horticultural knowledge and help to enhance the Montréal Botanical Garden's international renown. Most research activities are funded by organizations separate from the City of Montréal. FIELDS OF RESEARCH | RESEARCH PROJECTS 3. Managing reference centers The Botanical Garden's library and the slide library are unique horticultural, botanical and landscaping reference centers. Their vast collections of books, periodicals, slides, photos and videos are used to support different activities by the Botanical Garden and the City's horticultural divisions, and are also open to the public. The Library staff also develops and maintains the Garden's Web site. THE LIBRARY | THE SLIDE LIBRARY | THE WEB SITE THE GREEN PAGES | BRANCHING OUT Questions ? Consult the Green Pages and the Mailbox or visit the Library. | MENU | ABOUT THE GARDEN | GARDENS AND GREENHOUSES | PLANTS AND COLLECTIONS | | EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES | SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES | HORTICULTURAL ACTIVITIES | LIBRARY | | GREEN PAGES | LINKS | | SITE MAP | SEARCH | MAILBOX | Last updated : 2007-06-23 Credits All rights reserved Ville de Montréal