The garden is primarily a facility for biological research and education. Its living collection of wild and cultivated plants also function for the conservation of plant diversity, enjoyment, and benefit of the student's populace, and that of the public.
The garden will also contribute to the objectives/projects of the Biological Sciences Department (BSD) as it will provide the latter the necessary research support facility such as a reference collection of dried preserved plants (voucher specimens) herbarium and a modest greenhouse/laboratory unit.
The living collections of the garden will be divided among a general collection of trees, shrubs, climbers, herbs and a number of special collections. All of these will reflect the specific interest and needs of the university and of the Biological Sciences Department namely palms, wild orchids, medicinal plants and various ornamental plants.
Moreover, the collection and conservation of the rare plants will definitely be given greater emphasis in the future.
The practicality of utilizing the garden's collections can truly package several benefits. Specific projects, which can be conducted in the garden by the university staff and students, may include phenological studies of select taxa, phytochemical screening in selected families and various medicinal plants, plant growth analyses and ecological studies.
The garden's phenological data and other records will be compiled electronically.
THE CONCEPT
Similar to any recognized botanical garden around the world, the plants at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Botanical Garden will be arranged in a particular systematic manner. It will be designed to serve the following purposes:
1. Scientific Research. The Botanical Garden will serve as a center where plants are collected and grown for botanical research, breeding studies, plant exchange and experimentation of economically or ornamentally important plants. It will serve as a repository of plant specimens (living or otherwise), which will be constantly maintained and expanded and eventually produce scholarly research and publications opportunities.
2. Educational Function. The Botanical Garden is aimed to stimulate public awareness and interest about plant life and its importance to human being. Laboratory work could be done within the Garden. Animals and insects can also be observed and studied in the Garden. Lectures, demonstrations, seminars, special exhibition and guided tours will be made available in the Garden.
3. Aesthetic and Recreational Function. The Botanical Garden will serve as a place where visitors can savor the beauty of nature. The different species of trees, ferns, ornamental plants, together with the various forms of insects and animals, will enhance the beauty of the Garden.
4. Conservation Function. The Botanical Garden will also function as a repository for representative specimens of Philippine endemic and endangered species.
5. Public Service. Identification service to the inquiring public, enterprise of plants and special exhibits may be rendered.
