Gardening in Iran has a profound cultural identity rooted in centuries-old traditions of landscape design and horticulture exemplified by Persian gardens, which historically shaped the cultural imagination of the land and influenced garden aesthetics across the world. Modern gardening appears through botanical institutions such as the National Botanical Garden of Iran in Tehran, educational programs, and backyard cultivation of vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals adapted to the country’s diverse climates. Gardening practice is influenced by historical ideals of paradise and enclosure, cultural ceremonies, and community landscape projects. In urban areas, public parks and botanical gardens offer space for horticultural engagement, while in rural regions gardening remains tied to household food production, seasonal cycles, and local extension support. Infrastructure factors like irrigation, water management, and land access shape how gardening develops beyond ornamental plots. Compared to other outdoor activities and leisure pursuits, gardening in Iran holds a unique place as both cultural heritage and practical cultivation. With further development of green spaces, education, and horticultural programs, gardening in Iran continues to reflect deep aesthetic, ecological, and social values.
