A botanic garden is an outdoor area landscaped with various species of plants, which are usually labeled for educational or informative purposes. The plants in a botanic garden may be exotic or highly diverse, and are often grouped into exhibits on various ecological or climatic zones. Botanic gardens often charge fees for admission, and may include several buildings on their grounds.

The planted collection is presented for information or education. Labels and groupings can explain species or ecological relationships rather than serving only an ornamental pattern.

The outdoor collection remains the central landscape even when buildings stand within its grounds. Admission charges and the diversity of plants can vary without changing that purpose.