As night falls, familiar trees and well-trodden paths, as well as some of the more secluded areas of this 70 acre green space at the heart of Edinburgh, are given a sparkling new appearance by the use of spectacular effects.
The event has become a well-loved Christmas treat for thousands of visitors every year, but behind the glitter and Gluwein, the Botanics has a very serious purpose. This is one of the world’s most important centres of research into plants and conservation. Tucked away behind the glasshouses and flower beds are science labs carrying out investigations into the effects of climate change and of diseases, such as Ash Dieback, that are threatening to change our landscapes.
The RBGE shares its findings with a network of similar institutions around the world and it also shares its plant collection too, at times restoring native species to parts of the world where these have been lost in the wild.
Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh (Image: Discover Gardens)
Botanics has a long history. It was founded more than 350 years ago and today its site at Inverleith is filled with towering trees, dense shrubberies, broad lawns and one of the largest rock gardens in the UK. The Chinese Hillside contains plants from Asia and the teahouse, overlooking a lake, adds to the sense of place.
The garden’s glasshouses, including its iconic Palm House, are closed until 2026 as work continues to upgrade them as part of the £70 million Edinburgh Biomes project, while its research facilities include a herbarium, where dried specimens of plants from around the world form a record of exploration and discovery that continues to this day.
The garden has a notable collection of Alpine plants contained in specially-designed glasshouses that allow for exposure to the cold while protecting these tiny flowers from rainfall,
while across the garden there are herbaceous borders, edible beds where local school and community groups raise food, and the restored Botanics Cottage, which was once the garden’s headquarters when it was located on Leith Walk, is a centre for talks and learning.
Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh (Image: Lynsey Wilson)
Throughout the year the Botanics hosts exhibitions, exploring the natural world through art and artefacts, and it is also a renowned seat of learning, teaching generations of horticulturists as well as botanic artists.
As well as all this, the Botanics, with its views towards the Castle, remains a favourite place for strolls and summer-time picnics and its dense foliage supports a wide variety of city-dwelling wildlife, including a family of badgers.
Details:
The garden sits one mile north of Edinburgh city centre. Entrance through the John Hope Gateway is on Arboretum Place and the East Gate is on Inverleith Row. The gardens are open daily 10am – 4pm. Tickets: free admission
Entry to Christmas at the Botanics is priced at £25/£18.50 ( 4-16) and booking is essential.
https://premier.ticketek.co.uk/
Tel: 0131 552 7171
info@rbge.org.uk www.rbge.org.uk
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