In temperate climate countries gardens and landscapes and their history have frequently served as study and research objects. To date gardens and landscapes in tropical climate countries have received much less attention. It is the goal of the first international symposium on landscape and urban horticulture in tropical cities to change this. We look for scholarly and scientific contributions which address special conditions for urban horticulture, for plant growth, and for design, history and the art of gardens and landscapes in tropical cities. How do abundant flora and year round plant growth favorable conditions affect landscape and urban horticulture? Are there values attributed to plants, gardens, landscapes in tropical climate cities? Is there a role for plant, garden, and landscape history and art in tropical cities? If at all, do religious aspects shape plant, garden, and landscape appreciation? Are there social and economic reasons for landscape and urban horticulture in tropical cities? Which disciplines are interested in and contribute to landscape and urban horticulture in tropical cities? Are there examples for interdisciplinary approaches?

It is the aim of this international symposium to start a scholarly exchange on landscape and urban horticulture in tropical cities which we hope to continue in follow-up symposia.