Botanic Avenue takes its name from the nearby Botanic Gardens. “They were started in 1820, and afford a delightful place of resort for residents in the town. They were started for the purposes of promoting a taste for horticulture, an object which appears to have been realised. They are the only self supporting Botanic Gardens in Ireland – those in Dublin being supported by the Government – and have done much to stimulate the art or horticulture in the North of Ireland.” 1880 Belfast / Ulster Street Directory.