Creating a virtual herbal garden: A new frontier in horticultural education and sustainability

Soujanya Mukherjee, Pritam Biswas, Sneha Majumder and Ria Bandyopadhyay *

Department of Computer Science and Technology, JIS School of Polytechnic, Kalyani-741235, West Bengal.
 
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2025, 15(02), 172-179.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjst.2025.15.2.0131
Publication history: 
Received 13 October 2025; revised on 22 December 2025; accepted on 25 December 2025
 
Abstract: 
As technology continues to influence the way people connect with the natural world, the idea of a virtual herbal garden has gained significant importance as both an educational and functional innovation. This paper examines the structure, advantages, and varied uses of developing a digital herbal garden that provides an interactive space for users to explore a wide range of medicinal and culinary herbs. By incorporating advanced technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and accessible web-based interfaces, a virtual herbal garden can create an engaging learning experience while supporting environmentally conscious practices. Such a platform allows individuals to visualize plant characteristics, understand their uses, and interact with them in a realistic yet simulated setting. The discussion in this paper highlights the key stages involved in designing and implementing a virtual herbal garden, including content development, interface design, and technological integration. It also explores the educational value of this system, particularly in enriching horticultural learning by making information more dynamic, immersive, and easily accessible to students and enthusiasts. Furthermore, the paper considers the broader role of virtual herbal gardens in encouraging sustainable habits by reducing the need for physical resources, promoting herbal awareness, and inspiring users to adopt eco-friendly choices. Overall, this paper emphasizes how digital platforms can bridge the gap between modern technology and traditional plant knowledge, offering a meaningful pathway to preserve and promote herbal education in the digital era.
 
Keywords: 
Virtual Herbal Garden; Horticultural Education; Medicinal Plants; Digital Botany; Sustainable Gardening; Virtual Reality
 
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