The Garden was founded in 1762 in the centre of Cambridge, but moved to its present 40 acre (16 hectares) site in 1846. Many of the Garden’s fine trees date from this early period. Half of the site remained undeveloped until the 1950s, and this ’20th century garden’ provides a contrast with the original 19th century part. Whilst still part of Cambridge University’s Department of Plant Sciences, the Garden also acts as a training ground for students of horticulture, and is of course a valuable amenity to the City of Cambridge. The Garden is on chalky soil, and in an area of remarkably low rainfall (c. 563mm/annum), with less in recent years.