ISSUE 72 | AUTUMN 2018 Christmas at the Botanics The magical, botanical, illuminated trail Bug wars Biological control at RBGE Scottish Plant Lore Scotland’s flora through the centuries 2 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018

Contents Foreword In this issue... A visit to any one of our four Gardens this autumn will perhaps 4 Christmas at the mean di›erent things to di›erent Botanics visitors. This may range from 6 Bug wars: Biological enjoying a pleasant relaxing walk control at RBGE through to actively studying the biodiversity of plants and

6 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 7

Since the 1920s, there has been based and can kill o€ our native everything in between. In an Below: Larva of Australian Ladybird (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) significant research on using natural non-pest insects at the same time. (centre le, with long legs) devouring mealy bug. enemies to control glasshouse pests. The pests we are currently battling One of the first of these was the with in our Glasshouses include Red parasitic wasp Encarsia formosa used Spider Mite, with the introduction of the to control glasshouse whitefly, and now predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis. widely used commercially on tomatoes We are also e€ectively controlling whitefly increasingly busy world, the and other horticultural crops. with the regular introduction of the The use of non-native predators has parasitic wasp Encarsia formosa. To fulfil Bug to be comprehensively studied before their lifecycle in their natural environment, they are approved to ensure that they do these wasps must lay their eggs into the not have a wider impact than intended; nymph stage of the whitefly. The wasp in reality this could mean a negative larvae develop inside and parasitise the influence on their new environment. whitefly, subsequently emerging as a Above: Parasitised whitefly scales; each black scale contains a developing Encarsia formosa wasp. value and solace that people gain For example, the cane toad was wasp – and so the cycle begins again. introduced to Australia in 1935, from Mealybugs are being consumed in large in some of our glasshouses and can be its native habitat of South and Central numbers by Cryptolaemus montrouzieri di„cult to control as the caterpillars ‘sew’ America, to control the cane beetle, (Australian ladybird) predators, which themselves inside leaves; so we are using wars damaging sugarcane crops. However we release in the larval stage. If you look the natural bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis Biological control at RBGE with no natural predators, and the fact very closely you might be able to see to control the emerging caterpillars in their that its toxic skin e€ectively poisoned some in action. We are also trying to feeding stage. We are also using di€erent from being in a garden and being hroughout history, humans Over the past few months, visitors to the glasshouses may have anything that tried to eat it, numbers control the scale insect present in the microscopic nematodes to control sciarid Diaspis boisduvalii have practised biological noticed many of our plants ‘decorated’ with small cards and sachets increased dramatically without control glasshouses, , with the flies, vine weevils and slugs, and these are Tcontrol, using one organism and created a whole new pest problem introduction of Rhyzobius lophanthae applied as a drench. to control the numbers of another. of varying shapes and sizes. So what do these envelopes contain? that persists to this day. predatory beetles. This has been our Increasingly, these products are For example, the Egyptians were most Once approved for use, these biggest challenge so far, as many scale available for home use and can be likely the first civilisation who learned to grow healthy strong plants: pests under glass. However, increasing biological control agents are insects are very well protected by a purchased in garden centres and online. the benefits of this approach, using the healthier the plant, the more awareness of the wider environmental environmentally friendly, with no protective ‘shell’ that they form around The key to ensuring the successful able to work with plants is now cats to control the mice and rats raiding resistant it is to pests and diseases. impacts of pesticide use has led to resistance build up, and there are not themselves. Even the giant Victoria introduction of all these bio-controls is their supplies of stored grain. Our aim However as any gardener knows, pests more investment into the application the same health and safety concerns waterlilies are not immune to attack to know what pest you have, so you can at RBGE is to control our pests, albeit by their very nature can be di„cult to of natural non-native enemies and as with pesticide use. Biological control from aphids, and a multi-aphid parasite target it with the correct product and on a much smaller scale, using bugs control. Physical removal methods are ‘beneficial’ insects (bio-control) in the is much more targeted to the specific is being introduced directly onto the lily apply at the correct time. Keep plants to control other bugs. This is a battle always considered in the first instance, controlled glasshouse environment. pest; many pesticides are very broad pads. Tortrix moth can also be a problem in good health, because they are more of miniature with chemical susceptible to attack if stressed. proportions! Our aim at RBGE is to control only Careful monitoring is essential to keep recognised as being extremely To explain this used as a last on top of the problem. in more detail, control our pests, albeit resort. At RBGE, At RBGE we want this approach to we first need to on a much smaller we have been work. We accept that it is impossible look at some of scale, using bugs to using bio-control to eliminate every single pest here, and the challenges products in actually we need a small number of pests faced by RBGE’s control other bugs. specific areas of to keep our beneficial populations going horticultural This is a battle of the Garden for and growing! Our aim is to control them important to our health and well- team in growing miniature proportions! many years, but to a manageable amount whilst making plants in artificial this year, for the sure that all of our plants remain as environments. first time, we healthy as possible. The goal of our Within the glasshouses at RBGE, are trialling pesticide-free control in our pest management system is to reduce an amazing number and variety of public display glasshouses. and, if possible eliminate, the use species are cultivated from all over The use of pesticides raises a number of pesticides in our public display the world, some of which are incredibly of issues, and our main concern is glasshouses. This will inevitably take being. As horticulturists, we are rare and endangered. the environmental impacts. Another more time and e€ort to control our pests Unfortunately many of these plants important issue is the potential for but will ultimately help to ensure a safer are susceptible to pests that, up until the pest to build up resistance to the and more pleasant environment for all. reasonably recently, could only really be formulation of a pesticide. With ever e€ectively controlled with the use of more stringent legislation, there are Left: Louise and Pat monitoring pest numbers on the giant Victoria waterlilies and applying pesticides. We always do our very best now fewer products available to control bio-control directly to aphid colonies. extremely fortunate that our work in nurturing the plant collections  Schools in the Cottage and garden landscapes is enjoyed and can mean so much, to so many 10 Autumn colour at visitors, on many di›erent levels: both here in Scotland and across Benmore from actively engaging school and the globe, we need to be able to 10 Non-stop sunshine at community groups with plants, transfer the horticultural skills and Logan to o›ering an award-winning knowledge gained over many years. Edinburgh Festival venue. We are extremely grateful to the 11 Developments at However, we are all currently funding support for horticultural Dawyck enjoying the work and vision apprentices at Benmore and of previous generations of Edinburgh to take the first steps in 12 The Pianodrome lands horticulturists, and a key future this process. at the Botanics challenge for the RBGE horticultural I do hope you not only enjoy this 12 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 13 team will be attracting the next issue of the Botanics but also take Right: The Pianodrome was designed and built by a team of more than 100 people, many of them volunteers, oƒ site. It was then dismantled and rebuilt in the Botanic Garden.

The Pianodrome is a 100-seater auditorium created from 50 generation with the skills and the opportunity this autumn to discarded pianos. Well-seasoned timbers have a resonance that, when combined with the gentle reverberation of taught knowledge to help cultivate the strings attached to old piano visit each and every one of our four soundboards, creates a unique acoustic environment. This results in the whole structure becoming a gigantic instrument that both 13,500 species and 130,000 musicians and an audience can gardens and help support the work immerse themselves inside.

art-installation, part-concert- venue, part-sound-lab, the PPianodrome defies all definition, but probably the most remarkable thing plants, and manage RBGE’s four of RBGE. about this whole project is the leading Le and above: The Pianodrome was housed in lights behind it. Tim Vincent-Smith the Botanic Garden under a geodesic dome supplied and Matt Wright are not designers, by Atlas Domes of Eddleston. carpenters or structural engineers, but musicians who created the Pianodrome, As well as their desire to create throw-away society. Even 100 years transformed the unwanted and unloved curated a series of performances Sunday Times announced this as the with the help of more than 100 something that was original, beautiful ago a piano was a ‘must-have’ aspiration pianos into an incredible art space. featuring their own house band S!nk ‘best new venue in the Edinburgh Fringe volunteers, using their own hands and playable, Tim, Matt and the for every family, just as a TV is today. Pianodrome was premiered at and diƒerent guest artists each night, 2018’ and the bands played to a full Gardens. If we are also to continue combined with a certain amount of Pianodrome team wanted to force In the 1920s, pianos were being RBGE as part of the 2018 Edinburgh drawn from some of the best names house every night. The response from blood, sweat and tears! people to consider the profligacy of our produced in Britain in huge quantities Festival Fringe. The Pianodrome team on the alternative music scene. The festival goers and reviewers was hugely to meet the demand and many were appreciative – both of the venue and bought by working families on hire- the live music sessions. purchase schemes. The quality of these It may be that inviting a group of pianos was variable but they took pride young musicians into the Botanics of place in people’s homes and must during August to create and perform to actively protect the world’s David Knott DHE, SHM, have brought much pleasure and jollity in a self-build structure, the likes of to the people who played or sung their which had never been seen before, songs around them. was high risk. However, it was a Today, pianos have largely been gamble that paid oƒ. RBGE aims at replaced in people’s lives by electronic an art programme that is every bit as gadgetry and there is a surfeit of old ambitious and innovative as its science, plant life and strengthen plant pianos destined for the scrap heap. and exciting partnerships that cross- C Hort FCIHort Each piano is made up of hundreds boundaries and defy conventional of pieces of solid wood and veneer, categorisation as art, culture or metal, plastic and sometimes ivory, entertainment will continue to feature making them notoriously di’cult to strongly in our programming. recycle. However, the Pianodrome team took on the challenge of systematic Left: The house band S!nk playing during one of communities in fragile habitats lands at the Botanics deconstruction and reassembly and have their popular evening concerts. Curator of Living Collections

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored and supported For making syrup and through Grant-in-Aid by the Scottish Government's Environment and Forestry Directorate (ENFOR). 14 The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a Charity registered in Scotland (number SC007983). spirituous beverages Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR Tel: 0131 552 7171 | Fax: 0131 248 2901 | Web: www.rbge.org.uk 16 Developing Enquiries regarding circulation of the Botanics should be addressed to Donna Cole. Editor Donna Cole | Email: [email protected] horticulturists of the Designer Caroline Muir | Email: [email protected] Opinions expressed within the Botanics are those of the future contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 17 Protecting potatoes All information correct at time of going to press. When you have finished with Printed by BARR Printers Ltd. this magazine please recycle it 18 Friends of the Botanics In conversation with Peter Cairns Cover image: Sycamore by Janis Bain, watercolour (contemporary). Reciprocal admission to other Botanic Gardens Sign up for our e-newsletter at www.rbge.org.uk/e-news Members' Events Like us on Follow us on THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 3 News The Big Botanics Volunteer BioBlitz and the Garden Guides 1000th Species Volunteer Garden Guides have been One of the ways the garden has leading walks at RBGE for 26 years, celebrated nature and biodiversity which are popular with visitors, this year was to hold the Big Botanics both local and from overseas. Could BioBlitz. This was a day for our you be the leader of a garden walk, visitors, enthusiasts and local experts enthusing and informing members of Above: The campion moth Sideridis rivularis. to come together and discover the the public on the importance of plants Garden's wildlife. If that wasn’t reason which was the 1000th record for and the role of botanic gardens in enough to join the fun, they had the Garden. conservation? RBGE is now actively recruiting Volunteer Garden Guides who the opportunity to find the RBGE‘s This beautiful moth, Sideridis rivularis, are good communicators with a thirst 1000th species! is named the ‘campion’ a’er its larvals for knowledge and are committed to Out of a grand total of 332 species food plant. The caterpillar feeds promoting the Garden and the work we found, we had 20 new records within the seed capsules of various do. There will be a training course for for the Garden, which included campion (Silene) and catchfly successful applicants during December three hymenoptera, two lacewings, (Lychnis). A big thank you goes to 2018 to March 2019. The new Guides three spiders, five bugs, three beetles, Katty Baird for moth trapping at the will then be ready to lead garden walks two flies/bark-flies and two moths. event and for finding such a lovely from April 2019 and for many years into These included the campion moth, species to add to our lists. the future. Application forms can be obtained from http://www.rbge.org.uk/ supportus/volunteer or by email from [email protected]. Completed applications should be received no later than Tuesday 30 October 2018.

Garden of Tranquillity: Members raise £13,530 Thank you so much for your support! There’s still time to donate: text BOTANICS to 70660, or visit Rainforest collaboration donate.rbge.org.uk/tranquillity Simon Milne, the Regius Keeper of Under this agreement, funding and Texts cost £5 plus your standard RBGE and Peter Bennett, Director of research collaboration will target network charge. RBGE will receive the UK Charity Rainforest Concern, have conservation and habitat restoration 100% of your donation. Please obtain signed an agreement to collaborate in in a range of ecosystems in Chile the bill payer’s permission. For customer Latin America. This builds on a 25-year and Peru, bringing researchers and care, call 0131 552 5339. collaboration with the International horticultural scientists together to help Below: Judy Good’s Garden of Tranquillity design. Conifer Conservation Programme that ecosystems, local communities and focused on the purchase and research agriculture adapt to climate change of monkey puzzle forest in Chile. and protect biodiversity.

Australian Ministerial Meeting held at RBGE Plant diplomacy was in action in August Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop when the United Kingdom and Australian and Minister of Defence Marise Payne. governments held a day of business at Molecular ecologist Dr Linda Neaves RBGE’s Inverleith site. was on hand at the Rock Garden to Regius Keeper Simon Milne provided discuss Australasian plants, tell the an o¥cial welcome for the 10th UK story of the discovery and conservation Australian Ministerial Meeting, attended through commercialisation of the by British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis) and Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, explain her research on the koala genome. 4 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018

The magical, botanical, illuminated trail AT CHRISTMAS THE BOTANICS

As night falls, join us at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for our magical outdoor trail which returns this year with over a million twinkling lights.

Enter a world festooned with seasonal cheer as you wander beneath unique tree canopies and alongside the iconic Glasshouses drenched in Christmas colour.

As a valued member, you can enjoy a £2 discount on tickets to Christmas at the Botanics when booked in advance. Simply enter MEMBER18 when booking your tickets at rbge.org.uk/christmas THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 5

We spoke to Zoe Bottrell, Creative Director of Culture Creative, about this year’s trail.

What can members expect from QChristmas at the Botanics? truly magical Christmas night out. Christmas at the ABotanics is the perfect way to start your season’s festivities. Audiences will leave a­er dark from John Hope Gateway and follow a lit trail for just over a mile. We expect that this will take around an hour to complete but there is no time limit for visitors, and they are welcome to take as long as they need. They can also enjoy a mulled wine or toasted marshmallows at our pop-up catering stalls along the route. Some of this year’s highlights include light projections with music on the Glasshouse and on Inverleith House, a fire garden, a Santa show and several large light installations by both UK based and international artists.

What are you using as your Qinspiration for this year’s Christmas at the Botanics? The Botanics’ conifer collection will be the main focus of this year’s event. We will be working closely with This is your second year of A working on Christmas at the their inhouse teams to ensure that the conifer exhibition Q that the Botanics are planning to install in the John Hope Botanics. What do you enjoy about Gateway is an integral part of the trail. working in Edinburgh? Edinburgh is a city that truly embraces winter Who are you working with to create Afestivities. Here, we are part of a much greater oer Qthe 2018 Christmas at the Botanics? to visitors than on other sites. Hundreds of thousands of We work with both local and international artists tourists come to Edinburgh to spend Christmas and New Ato develop content for this event. We have a new Year, so we are not only providing a festive experience Australian company who specialise in lighting installations for locals, we are part of that visitor package which that we are working with to create a 70m long pea light reaches a global market and that’s very exciting for us. tunnel this year, as well as French company Tilt who are We also know that similar to London and Christmas at Kew, returning with new work. All the people on the ground who Edinburgh audiences have a huge choice of activities on manage the install and run the event are employed locally oer over the Christmas period, therefore we really need and it is their expert knowledge of the area and the Gardens to work hard to stand out and ensure that audiences hear that really make the event very special for the visitor. about the event. 23 Nov – 29 Dec rbge.org.uk/christmas 0844 995 1363 Calls cost 7p per minute plus your network access charge

#christmasatthebotanics

Not open every day. Check website for full details. 6 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018

Below: Larva of Australian Ladybird (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) (centre le, with long legs) devouring mealy bug. Bug wars Biological control at RBGE

hroughout history, humans Over the past few months, visitors to the glasshouses may have have practised biological noticed many of our plants ‘decorated’ with small cards and sachets Tcontrol, using one organism to control the numbers of another. of varying shapes and sizes. So what do these envelopes contain? For example, the Egyptians were most likely the first civilisation who learned to grow healthy strong plants: pests under glass. However, increasing the benefits of this approach, using the healthier the plant, the more awareness of the wider environmental cats to control the mice and rats raiding resistant it is to pests and diseases. impacts of pesticide use has led to their supplies of stored grain. Our aim However as any gardener knows, pests more investment into the application at RBGE is to control our pests, albeit by their very nature can be di„cult to of natural non-native enemies and on a much smaller scale, using bugs control. Physical removal methods are ‘beneficial’ insects (bio-control) in the to control other bugs. This is a battle always considered in the first instance, controlled glasshouse environment. of miniature with chemical proportions! Our aim at RBGE is to control only To explain this used as a last in more detail, control our pests, albeit resort. At RBGE, we first need to on a much smaller we have been look at some of scale, using bugs to using bio-control the challenges products in faced by RBGE’s control other bugs. specific areas of horticultural This is a battle of the Garden for team in growing miniature proportions! many years, but plants in artificial this year, for the environments. first time, we Within the glasshouses at RBGE, are trialling pesticide-free control in our an amazing number and variety of public display glasshouses. species are cultivated from all over The use of pesticides raises a number the world, some of which are incredibly of issues, and our main concern is rare and endangered. the environmental impacts. Another Unfortunately many of these plants important issue is the potential for are susceptible to pests that, up until the pest to build up resistance to the reasonably recently, could only really be formulation of a pesticide. With ever e€ectively controlled with the use of more stringent legislation, there are pesticides. We always do our very best now fewer products available to control THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 7

Since the 1920s, there has been based and can kill o our native significant research on using natural non-pest insects at the same time. enemies to control glasshouse pests. The pests we are currently battling One of the first of these was the with in our Glasshouses include Red parasitic wasp Encarsia formosa used Spider Mite, with the introduction of the to control glasshouse whitefly, and now predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis. widely used commercially on tomatoes We are also e ectively controlling whitefly and other horticultural crops. with the regular introduction of the The use of non-native predators has parasitic wasp Encarsia formosa. To fulfil to be comprehensively studied before their lifecycle in their natural environment, they are approved to ensure that they do these wasps must lay their eggs into the not have a wider impact than intended; nymph stage of the whitefly. The wasp in reality this could mean a negative larvae develop inside and parasitise the influence on their new environment. whitefly, subsequently emerging as a Above: Parasitised whitefly scales; each black scale contains a developing Encarsia formosa wasp. For example, the cane toad was wasp – and so the cycle begins again. introduced to Australia in 1935, from Mealybugs are being consumed in large in some of our glasshouses and can be its native habitat of South and Central numbers by Cryptolaemus montrouzieri di—cult to control as the caterpillars ‘sew’ America, to control the cane beetle, (Australian ladybird) predators, which themselves inside leaves; so we are using damaging sugarcane crops. However we release in the larval stage. If you look the natural bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis with no natural predators, and the fact very closely you might be able to see to control the emerging caterpillars in their that its toxic skin e ectively poisoned some in action. We are also trying to feeding stage. We are also using di erent anything that tried to eat it, numbers control the scale insect present in the microscopic nematodes to control sciarid increased dramatically without control glasshouses, Diaspis boisduvalii, with the flies, vine weevils and slugs, and these are and created a whole new pest problem introduction of Rhyzobius lophanthae applied as a drench. that persists to this day. predatory beetles. This has been our Increasingly, these products are Once approved for use, these biggest challenge so far, as many scale available for home use and can be biological control agents are insects are very well protected by a purchased in garden centres and online. environmentally friendly, with no protective ‘shell’ that they form around The key to ensuring the successful resistance build up, and there are not themselves. Even the giant Victoria introduction of all these bio-controls is the same health and safety concerns waterlilies are not immune to attack to know what pest you have, so you can as with pesticide use. Biological control from aphids, and a multi-aphid parasite target it with the correct product and is much more targeted to the specific is being introduced directly onto the lily apply at the correct time. Keep plants pest; many pesticides are very broad pads. Tortrix moth can also be a problem in good health, because they are more susceptible to attack if stressed. Careful monitoring is essential to keep on top of the problem. At RBGE we want this approach to work. We accept that it is impossible to eliminate every single pest here, and actually we need a small number of pests to keep our beneficial populations going and growing! Our aim is to control them to a manageable amount whilst making sure that all of our plants remain as healthy as possible. The goal of our pest management system is to reduce and, if possible eliminate, the use of pesticides in our public display glasshouses. This will inevitably take more time and e ort to control our pests but will ultimately help to ensure a safer and more pleasant environment for all.

Left: Louise and Pat monitoring pest numbers on the giant Victoria waterlilies and applying bio-control directly to aphid colonies. 8 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 Schools in the Cottage Since the opening of the reconstructed Botanic Cottage in the Demonstration Garden in May 2016, thousands of people have engaged with plants through community group and school sessions and a programme of events for the public. The Cottage was designed by the architects John Adam and James Craig around 1764 and stood at the entrance to RBGE’s former site on Leith Walk as the home of the head gardener. The upstairs classroom was a centre for learning about botany during the late 18th century, so it is wonderful that the Cottage has become a buzzing hub for learning once again.

BGE’s schools department experience of gardening and can build caters for a wide range of ages positive, nurturing relationships with the Rfrom nursery to secondary. children they work with. The beautiful Cottage and our selection of

lovely props and equipment help us create Above: Working together in the Schools’ Grandpa’s Garden for Gardening Project plots. a special learning environment where early years children and young people feel welcome and cared for. Thanks to generous Supported by the M V Hillhouse Trust contributions from charitable trusts and Gardening is for all, and people of any tasks that include sowing seeds, learning private donations, the sessions are free, age or ability can do it. At RBGE, about worms, hunting for seasonal ensuring no school is excluded from very young children can learn their vegetables, playing a pollination game, taking part due to financial constraints. first gardening skills through short digging and watering. Children love RBGE sta and tutors are supported by a activities and play in our Grandpa’s meeting Grandpa; they talk to him team of volunteers who bring their own Garden programme. The children are about the gardening they have done as invited by Grandpa (our green-fingered if he were a real person and leave with puppet) to come and learn about the wonderful memories of being immersed Below: Planting potatoes in the Schools’ Gardening Project plots. seasons in the garden. They help with in the garden.

Dig for Victory at the Botanics Supported by the Cruden Foundation Dig for Victory weeks are run for older primary age classes. We use original materials produced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Food to learn how to dig and how to grow and cook the vegetables that were available during WW2. Children are surprised to learn how choice of food was more limited due to the blockade of imports to the UK and the seasonal availability of fruit and veg. Every child takes away a seed they have planted in a pot so they can continue growing it back at school or home. THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 9

good communication and negotiation eat: one teacher said that “Some have and support personal development such started putting lettuce they have grown as growth of self-confidence, positive into their sandwiches at lunchtime.” behaviour and sense of responsibility as Comments from children include “I have they care for their plants and the tools been inspired to make an edible garden that we use. These social and personal of my own” and “I used to think it was impacts are especially important for pupils just plant a seed and water, but now I with additional support needs, who may realise it’s a lot more than that”. be struggling in school for various reasons A volunteer told us that “The children such as learning have learned so or behavioural We know that pupils much biology – diculties, or due about the soil, to social isolation. who have taken the plant Being outside part in practical lifecycles and in the garden have had a real builds friendships gardening activities connection to and can improve come back with nature. They mental and have seen that physical health. their families to vegetables don’t Learning about show what they just come from sustainability the supermarket.” is a big part of have been doing. We hope that the project and the children we use three guiding ethics borrowed and young people continue to take from permaculture: People Care, Earth an interest in gardening and return to Care and Fair Share. These not only explore the Botanics with their families. support learning about biodiversity and Thank you to our volunteers and sustainability but provide guidance on funders not already mentioned – the ideas of equity and fairness and The Robertson Trust, Edinburgh Airport Schools’ Gardening encourage positive behaviour with other Community Board and Mains of Loirston Project people and the creatures who share our Charitable Trust – for enabling these Supported by the Gannochy Trust planet. The project aims support various varied and worthwhile activities to take RBGE has been gardening with children UN Sustainable Development Goals, such place. We hope that the meaningful in various ways for over 20 years. as Sustainable Cities and Communities connections children make to nature The current iteration of this, the Schools’ and Zero Hunger, which aims to end through these projects enrichen their lives Gardening Project, works in partnership hunger, achieve food security and and inspire a respect for the environment with classes from five local primary, promote sustainable agriculture. that they will carry through to adulthood. secondary and special schools who come Follow us on Twitter @SchGardeners in small groups each week to look a–er Feedback their own plots. Health and wellbeing The Cottage programmes and the outcomes are a big part of the project, Schools’ Gardening Project are really which involves healthy eating, exercise appreciated by teachers who see the and being outside in the fresh air. Once quality of the experience and learning. harvesting starts, the children take bags of Feedback suggests that some children produce home or to be used in school. We rarely or never spend time in a garden find that the children and teens are more and certainly don’t visit botanic gardens, likely to try new things if they have grown so this gives them a positive experience. them themselves. On our last session, we We know that pupils who have taken part celebrate with a feast made in the Cottage in practical gardening activities come kitchen with our home-grown veg. back with their families to show what Repeat visits are key to the deeper they have been doing. impact of this project – children form We know that the children try a relationship with the Garden as they vegetables they wouldn’t normally learn how to grow their own food. Activities encourage social skills such as Right: Meeting Grandpa in the Cottage. 10 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018

Non-stop sunshine at Logan

n the recent heat wave, Logan has been basking in summer sunshine. Many of Iour plants, such as palms, bananas and gingers, have never produced such strong, healthy new growth, and the Albanian Laburnum Petereria ramentacea has flowered for probably the first time ever in the UK. In July, Logan welcomed RBGE’s senior Autumn colour management and trustees for a guided tour of Scotland’s Most Exotic Garden. They experienced Logan’s hottest day of the year at Benmore with wall-to-wall blue skies. Œer such prolonged periods with at least forty-two species across A large new area of Maddenia rhododendrons of sunshine and the highest over 500 plants. The species with larger has been planted in the gulley to the west temperature recorded at numbers of multiple plantings are Acer of the Logan Conservatory. This includes A many new species not previously grown at Benmore since 1931 – 30.9°C on cappadocicum, A. davidii, A. japonicum, 28 June – the 2018 autumn colour and A. macrophyllum, A. nipponicum, Logan including Rhododendron carneum fruits should be spectacular. A. palmatum, A. pensylvanicum, and Rhododendron chunienii. It will provide Benmore has many fine mature A. rufinerve, and A. sieboldianum. lots of interest early in the season and specimens that provide fantastic colour The Younger Walk has large specimens contribute towards Logan’s rhododendron each year. Betula alleghaniensis has of Enkianthus, which every year display conservation work. foliage that turns to a rich yellow, and spectacular colour, the finest of these During this current year, Logan is young plants were collected in 2008 and being Enkianthus serrulatus. A champion hosting more than 20 intern students who 2010 from the north-east of America tree of Sorbus alnifolia has foliage turning are participating in European exchange and added to the collection. Betula yellow with orange tints and is laden with programmes as part of their university maximowicziana, the largest-leaved red fruit. S. commixta is one of the earliest course. Currently our students from birch, was collected in Japan in 2003 and to colour and has orange to red fruits held Greece, Hungary, France and Wales are 2005; its foliage turns a clear yellow. in erect bunches. S. hedlundii, S. thibetica landscaping and planting up a new border To the south of the avenue near the and S. vestita are Himalayan species with in the car park. entrance, the foliage of Acer rubrum spectacularly large leaves and large yellow Below: RBGE’s Senior Management Team & Trustees turns a rich red and scarlet. Previously, to orange fruit; they are mainly to be during a recent visit to Logan Botanic Garden. it was mainly north American acers found in the Bhutanese Glade. that were grown at Benmore, but the The most intense area of autumn RBGE Collections Policy for the Living colour at Benmore is around the pond. Collection was reviewed in 2006 and, There is a broad selection of Japanese as a result, Benmore also targets maples and deciduous rhododendrons Japanese and Sino-Himalayan acers. planted among a mix of herbaceous This has transformed the acer collection, species, and the dominant tree on the island is Cercicphyllum japonicum. Much of the woody flora of Chile is evergreen, and anyone making the e›ort to reach the upper slopes of the Chilean Rainforest in autumn will be rewarded with the beautiful rich yellow foliage of Nothofagus antarctica. Eucryphia glutinosa, known for its displays of white flowers in July and August, adds to the autumn colour mix. THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 11

Non-stop sunshine at Logan

Above: A new panorama panel in Scrape Glen. Developments at Dawyck Above: The Desert Border has flourished during this summer’s hot, sunny weather. ith the onset of autumn, The Cabbage Palm avenue along Logan’s the Garden sta at Dawyck drive provides a spectacular arrival. It is now Wcan take time to reflect on around 250 m long, and although now only a wonderful summer season. The long 4 years old many of the plants are already hot summer brought many visitors but over 2 m tall. also a prolonged and intense drying heat. In recent months Logan has welcomed two Many hours were spent watering new new sta members to the horticultural team. plants, whose planting had already been Chris Parsons and Katy Merrington bring a delayed due to the ‘Beast from the East’. wealth of plant knowledge to Logan, having However, this careful daily watering has previously worked at notable gardens such at least meant we have no apparent as Longwood Gardens, Royal Botanic Garden, casualties from the dry weather. Kew and Tresco. Along with the day-to-day Above: Using the new digger for root removal. Logan’s events listing continues to grow. maintenance, we were able to undertake The latest additions are Mostly Ghostly Tours a number of smaller targeted projects Centre, which have been re-modelled and Life O’Reilly, who provide live music in the with the commitment from our own and installed using mono-blocks for a Walled Garden. talented Garden team, aided by our more permanent and rot-free solution. Please do come and visit us soon. able volunteers and our resident student With access for all being high on intern, Alexia Perlot. our priority list, the garden team, Thanks to our Estates team and notably Harey Geddes our in-house the expertise of a local groundworks woodwork expert, has undertaken a contractor, the garden has replaced mini-restoration of our wheelchair- both front and rear ramps of the Visitor friendly bridge. The bridge has had a completely new floor with anti-slip Below: The newly installed monoblock front ramp, which has greatly enhanced the front of the mesh installed and has been retreated Visitor Centre. with preservative to look its best. Self-su“ciency has always been a buzz-word for Dawyck and with the recent capital investment in a mini-digger the garden is now in a much better place for easily undertaking development works and root removal, which require earth-moving equipment. The sta at Logan will also be pleased that we no longer need to keep borrowing theirs! 12 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018

Right: The Pianodrome was designed and built by a team of more than 100 people, many of them volunteers, o‡ site. It was then dismantled and rebuilt in the Botanic Garden.

The Pianodrome is a 100-seater auditorium created from 50 discarded pianos. Well-seasoned timbers have a resonance that, when combined with the gentle reverberation of taught strings attached to old piano soundboards, creates a unique acoustic environment. This results in the whole structure becoming a gigantic instrument that both musicians and an audience can immerse themselves inside.

art-installation, part-concert- venue, part-sound-lab, the PPianodrome defies all definition, but probably the most remarkable thing about this whole project is the leading lights behind it. Tim Vincent-Smith and Matt Wright are not designers, carpenters or structural engineers, but musicians who created the Pianodrome, As well as their desire to create throw-away society. Even 100 years with the help of more than 100 something that was original, beautiful ago a piano was a ‘must-have’ aspiration volunteers, using their own hands and playable, Tim, Matt and the for every family, just as a TV is today. combined with a certain amount of Pianodrome team wanted to force In the 1920s, pianos were being blood, sweat and tears! people to consider the profligacy of our produced in Britain in huge quantities to meet the demand and many were bought by working families on hire- purchase schemes. The quality of these pianos was variable but they took pride of place in people’s homes and must have brought much pleasure and jollity to the people who played or sung their songs around them. Today, pianos have largely been replaced in people’s lives by electronic gadgetry and there is a surfeit of old pianos destined for the scrap heap. Each piano is made up of hundreds of pieces of solid wood and veneer, metal, plastic and sometimes ivory, making them notoriously di cult to recycle. However, the Pianodrome team took on the challenge of systematic lands at the Botanics deconstruction and reassembly and have THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 13

Le and above: The Pianodrome was housed in the Botanic Garden under a geodesic dome supplied by Atlas Domes of Eddleston. transformed the unwanted and unloved curated a series of performances Sunday Times announced this as the pianos into an incredible art space. featuring their own house band S!nk ‘best new venue in the Edinburgh Fringe Pianodrome was premiered at and dierent guest artists each night, 2018’ and the bands played to a full RBGE as part of the 2018 Edinburgh drawn from some of the best names house every night. The response from Festival Fringe. The Pianodrome team on the alternative music scene. The festival goers and reviewers was hugely appreciative – both of the venue and the live music sessions. It may be that inviting a group of young musicians into the Botanics during August to create and perform in a self-build structure, the likes of which had never been seen before, was high risk. However, it was a gamble that paid o. RBGE aims at an art programme that is every bit as ambitious and innovative as its science, and exciting partnerships that cross- boundaries and defy conventional categorisation as art, culture or entertainment will continue to feature strongly in our programming.

Left: The house band S!nk playing during one of their popular evening concerts. 14 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018

Left: Foxgloves by Jacqui Pestell MBE, watercolour (contemporary).

For making syrup and spirituous beverages

To celebrate the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness we’re marking publication of two new publications. THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 15

Scottish Plant Lore

Scottish Plant Lore is published in Above: The author and some of the artists featured in Scottish Plant Lore at the o cial launch in the October, at £25. Botanic Cottage.

cottish Plant Lore by certain that Mesolithic hunter-gatherers twigs are of great use in dying woolen, Gregory J. Kenicer is a ate them, a practice that continues silk and mohair black. Cows and horses Sbeautifully illustrated, with modern foragers. A traditional tale eat it; Sheep are not fond of it.” They also lavish new hardback book devoted told throughout Britain is that the devil commonly find their way into historical and to the history of the folk uses of is said to spit or urinate on the berries modern alcoholic drinks – from wines to Scotland’s flora down through the a
er Michaelmas (29 September), gins. Henslow (1905) writes that, “It is said centuries. Illustrated with both because he was thrown from Heaven that the inhabitants of Skye use them for period and contemporary botanical by St Michael on that day. making syrup and spirituous beverages.” art plus photographs from the RBGE Bramble and raspberry have also The juice of raspberries on their own Herbarium, it combines some of the been domesticated and are a major part was used for a refreshing latest research with a celebration of the berry economy of the Tay valley, lightly distilled drink popular of the rich social and natural history with modern breeding programmes following a fever.” that has gone before. at the James Hutton Institute at Here is an exclusive extract Invergowrie concentrating mostly on devoted to the historic uses of raspberry and hybrids. Scotland’s favourite autumn fruits. Buchanan White (1876) states that, Director’s Brambles and raspberries “The berries are o
en eaten and a‡ord a are both native to Scotland, good jelly.” Withering (1776) notes that, Choice and have long been foraged for “The berries when ripe are black, and imon Milne, RBGE Regius their delicious berries. We can be fairly do not eat amiss with wine. The green Keeper, has become the Sfirst director of a natural Below: Regius Keeper, Simon Milne and Gregory J. Kenicer. history collection to feature in the Director’s Choice series from Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers. In the book’s 80 pages, Simon highlights some of his favourite objects, plants and buildings from RBGE’s Living, Herbarium, Library and Archive collections. With full colour illustrations throughout, the book provides a beautiful overview of RBGE for just £9.95. 16 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018

BGE is passionate about promoting, creating and supporting Rcareers in horticulture. Our wide- ranging education programme, engaging children as young as three and extending all the way to PhD level, is a core strand of our mission to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future. Alongside our extensive academic Above: Sta member Peter Wilson instructing apprentice Jennifer Wright in tree care. oering, RBGE is passionate about providing high-quality vocational training and we are keen to grow this area over the next few years. Recently, we were delighted to be Developing awarded funding by the Magdalene Sharpe Erskine Trust to run an apprenticeship in the Edinburgh Garden, whilst an apprentice in Benmore will be funded jointly by the horticulturists John Younger Trust and the Cruach Trust. We look forward to welcoming these two budding horticulturists to our Garden of the future teams this autumn and supporting them through a stimulating and rewarding two- horticulture. The sta at RBGE are over 13,500 species and 130,000 plants year programme. very knowledgeable and helpful in across the four very dierent garden Cameron Tasker was in our first cohort preparing you for a career in the landscapes and climates of Benmore in of apprentices and is now a permanent industry. I really enjoyed my two Argyll, Dawyck in the Scottish Borders, member of sta at RBGE: “It’s a great years of learning in each of the Logan in Dumfries & Galloway, and way of getting first-hand experience in Garden’s departments, experiencing Inverleith in Edinburgh. To cultivate this a wide range of horticultural tasks.” number of plants and dierent species Below: Cameron Tasker, one of RBGE’s first apprentices and now a member of sta. These apprenticeship grants successfully, we rely on teams of highly have come at a crucial time, as the skilled horticulturists to grow and industry as a whole is facing a serious nurture the plants in their care. For new skills shortage. A major report, issued or prospective horticulturists, gaining in 2013 by the Royal Horticultural the necessary experience and expertise Society and other partners, listed is not always possible, easy or financially startling statistics: 72% of 200 viable, so an RBGE apprenticeship or horticultural businesses were unable paid internship is invaluable in providing to fill skilled vacancies, whilst them with an immersive, hands-on 70% of 1,000 18-year-olds training opportunity.” surveyed believed horticulture As well as developing and enhancing careers are only for those who have the employment prospects of individuals, failed academically. apprenticeships and paid internships We have witnessed a decreasing are a way that RBGE can help to level of competence and confidence secure the future of this vital profession. when job applicants are faced with If we are to protect the world’s plant practical gardening tasks. RBGE life and strengthen fragile habitats, we has therefore just embarked on desperately need to pass on the wealth piloting a paid, one-year horticulture of knowledge – accumulated over internship in the Edinburgh Garden, decades in our glasshouses and gardens – with a view to growing and to the younger generations. extending it to the Regional Gardens Horticulture is a challenging, highly if we can secure su˜cient funding. skilled, fulfilling and worthwhile career. David Knott, Curator of Living Through our growing suite of vocational Collections, explains the importance training options, we hope to inspire many of this development: “The Royal more young people to enter the profession Botanic Garden Edinburgh cultivates and enjoy all that it has to oer. THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 17

uring the summer, the Edible Gardening Project has been Dinvolved in an exciting new plant display that links what we eat to the vital genetic resource found in the wild relatives of our crops. The RBGE research programme has a focus on the potato family, so it made sense to collaborate with the James Hutton Institute at Invergowrie, near Dundee, where the Commonwealth Potato Above: Jan applying Collection (CPC) is maintained. pollen to a potato flower The CPC is one of the largest potato as part of controlled crossing between domesticated gene banks in the world and maintains potatoes and a wild Mexican around 1,500 samples of wild potato potato Solanum demissum. seed stored at -20°C to prolong their life. These seeds are an important genetic resource as they contain the genes for useful qualities such as resistance to late blight, a disease that causes massive economic losses for potato farmers Protecting around the world. The first case of resistance to late blight being transferred from a wild potatoes potato into the crop was from hybridisation with a Mexican species potato breeding so that the Edinburgh called Solanum demissum. The naturally potato can be recreated by carrying out Seasonal tips occurring hybrid was named and described controlled crosses. Autumn and winter are the quietest as new to science using plant material New interpretation, with financial seasons in the productive garden. supplied by RBGE at the beginning of the support from SEFARI, has been The slower pace of work brings an 20th century. The name given to the new developed for the displays. The panels opportunity to reflect on the previous hybrid, Solanum x edinense, reflects the tell the story of the potato from its years’ successes and challenges and Edinburgh connection. Although it is a native home in South America to global to plan for the next season. Mexican plant the name forever identifies spread and the threats posed by late There are some outdoor jobs for it as the ‘Edinburgh potato’. blight. New research at the James this time of year, including planting The potato displays in the Hutton Institute is now speeding up the garlic in October and November. Garlic Demonstration Garden and Temperate discovery of blight resistance genes in requires a cold spell to grow well. Split Palm House have relied on input from wild potatoes. a bulb into individual cloves and plant Science and Horticulture sta“ and the The Edible Gardening Project is them 10cm (4in) deep and 15cm hard work of volunteers in the Edible supported by players of People’s Postcode (6in) apart. Each clove will grow into a Gardening Project. The volunteers Lottery, for more details please go to new bulb of garlic by July next year. It have been learning the techniques of www.rbge.org.uk/ediblegardening is recommended to buy certified garlic from a reputable supplier rather than Below: Using a vibrating ‘artificial bee’ to mimic Below: Liz extracting pollen from a potato flower buzz pollination and extract pollen. for use in controlled pollinations. planting garlic from a supermarket. This is because it is less likely to carry pests and disease and more likely to be a variety that is suitable for growing in Britain. We’ve found that ‘Solent Wight’ grows well at RBGE. 18 | THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 In conversation with Peter Cairns The nature and conservation photographer, Peter Cairns, will be the guest judge for the Friends of RBGE’s Photography Competition this year. Here he shares his passion for photography and some useful tips.

You have said ‘I’ve never Does passion for a for example, the light is generally quite Qconsidered myself a Qsubject alter the way so throughout the day but in summer, proper photographer, not you look at the composition on clear days, the sun is high in the really’ yet you are, literally, of a photograph? sky, casting very little shadow and behind some of our most iconic You absolutely need passion. therefore depriving the photographer conservation photography? AIf you’re indi erent to your subject of any modelling light. A bright sunny What I mean is that I’m not it will show in your images. If you’re day in July might look fantastic for Aparticularly interested in passionate you’ll want to showcase photography but in reality, the harsh, the photographic process – the your subject in the best possible way. contrasting light makes for awful technical side. What excites me about This may mean lying on the floor to images. Watch light and work out how photography is what it can do. And get level with wildlife or climbing a to use it. what it can do is make people feel and mountain to get the best viewpoint. think di erently. To that end, it’s a very You really have to be prepared to do Can good quality powerful communications tool. whatever is necessary. I’d like to say it’s Qphotography remain fun? easy, but it isn’t. If it isn’t fun, don’t do it. Yes there To an absolute beginner, is discomfort and frustration but would you have any must- A Q How can pictures tell there’s also a huge rush when it comes have tips to share? the story you want to good. Many photographers expect too You’ve got Q be heard? much, especially in Britain. I work on the to want to A Visual imagery transcends age, 90:10 rule. For 90% of the time, the do it. That might background, gender, language; weather is awful, the wildlife doesn’t sound obvious but A it communicates on an emotional level behave and one way or another, you early mornings, late to everyone and therein lies its power. come away with very little. But when the nights, frustrations Beyond the single image, however, you 10% rolls around, it’s the best thing in the and disappointments need to think ‘How can I tell this story?’ world. When an image comes together as are everyday factors That might be achievable in one image, you’d imagined it, the pain is worthwhile. in nature photography. but more likely it will need several. Try Added to this is the not to look at the camera as a tool for To sum up, what makes a mind-blowing standard capturing trophy images but as a tool Qgood picture? of modern photography, for compelling storytelling. That’s tricky because to a certain so you’ve got to really want Adegree, it’s subjective. I’d say a to do it and then go How does lighting play ‘good’ picture is well lit, well composed the extra mile. Qits role? and sharp. A ‘great’ picture however, has It’s not for Discerning light – understanding something else: impact. If an image has everyone. Ahow it behaves and what e ect it impact, it stays with you and in some has on your images – is really important. cases changes your perspective. I always Over time you start to understand how strive for impact and although it’s not light can contribute to your pictures possible every time, when it does work and how it can destroy them. In winter you know you’re in the right job.

The Friends of RBGE Photography Competition is open until 31 October. For further information and to enter go to www.rbge.org.uk/photocomp THE BOTANICS 72 AUTUMN 2018 | 19

Members’ Events Edinburgh n Coee Morning & Talk: Sibbaldia, the Journal of Botanic Garden Horticulture n Coee Morning & Talk: Tues 12 Feb, 10am for 10.30 start, The Caledonian The Illuminating History of Garden Rushes Hall, East Gate, £5 Members only Tues 9 Oct, 10am for 10.30 start, Conference Join editor Kate Hughes for an exclusive Room, 20a Inverleith Row, £5 Members only insight into RBGE’s own peer-reviewed Phil Lusby will shine a light on Edinburgh’s journal, Sibbaldia, which covers all dark past and explain how some bright aspects of horticulture in botanic Reciprocal sparks had a brilliant botanical idea. gardens around the world. n The World of Seaweeds n Evening Talk: Can we change the admission to Thu 18 Oct, 7pm, Lecture Theatre, Scottish fruit basket? 20a Inverleith Row, £7, £5 Members Thu 21 Feb, 7pm, Lecture Theatre, Explore the secrets of seaweeds with 20a Inverleith Row, £7, £5 Members other Botanic marine phycologist Dr Gavin Hardy Professor Derek Stewart of the and learn more about Scotland’s new James Hutton Institute on the wide Gardens seaweed aquaculture industry. variety of exotic fruits that will grow in Scotland and tips on how you might As a Member of RBGE, you have n Christmas Shopping Evening Mon 12 Nov, 6pm – 9pm, The Botanics Shop, grow them in your own garden. access to a wide range of benefits John Hope Gateway (see back cover) across all four of our Gardens including Benmore n free admission to many other gardens Coee Morning & Talk: The Edinburgh Shoreline Project n Talk by Richard Baines: in the UK and overseas with whom we Tues 20 Nov, 10am for 10.30 start, Conference Room, Developments at Logan Botanic Garden have a reciprocal agreement in place. 20a Inverleith Row, £5 Members only Wed 31 Oct, 2pm in Courtyard Gallery, Recent changes have been made to An opportunity to hear about The no booking necessary, £4, £3 Members some of these agreements and we Edinburgh Shoreline Project, aimed at n Christmas Party in The Courtyard Gallery would like to make you aware of these regenerating and conserving natural Sat 1 Dec, 7pm, £18, £16 Members to help you when planning a visit to habitats along Edinburgh’s coast. Join us for a fork supper with musical one or more of them. n 1670: The Making of our Botanical Gin entertainment, a quiz and a ra“e. Tues 4 Dec, 7pm – 8.30pm, Botanic Cottage, Mulled wine, tea and co‡ee included. n from Westonbirt Arboretum: £15/£13 Members Book tickets on 01369 706261. 1 September 2018, any children Edinburgh Gin and RBGE’s Greg Kenicer n Christmas Shopping Events accompanying RBGE Members will will introduce our own botanical gin, Thu 15 Nov and Thu 13 Dec be required to pay an admission fee with exclusive gin tastings. The perfect upon entry. winter evening for gin lovers! Dawyck n n Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Arctic Explorer to Scotland’s First n Autumn Bring and Buy Plant Sale Wakehurst: from 1 June 2019, free Fragrance House Sun 7 Oct, 10am – 3pm, free entry Thu 17 Jan, 7pm, Lecture Theatre, admission for RBGE Members will 20a Inverleith Row, £7, £5 Members n Christmas Shopping Event change to a two-for-one discount Have you ever wondered how a perfume Thu 15 Nov, 10am – 4pm on the full adult entry fee. Child is developed? Imogen Russon-Taylor will admission fees also apply at Kew. tell us how the adventures of Scottish Logan botanist and Arctic Explorer Isobel Wylie n New York Botanic Garden: n End of Season Shopping Event Hutchison inspired her bold new fragrance Sun 11 Nov, 10am – 5pm RBGE Members are entitled to free and how the complex perfume notes were grounds-only access to the Garden. developed and brought to market. n Snowdrop Sundays All-Garden passes and special events n Coee Morning: Tours and Day Visits Open on Sundays in February. The Potting will be charged at the full rate. Shed Bistro is also open on Sundays in Tues 22 Jan, 10am for 10.30am start, February, 11am – 3pm. Entry by donation. The full list of Gardens that o‡er The Caledonian Hall, East Gate, Free The launch of the 2019 days trips and free or discounted admission will be Bookings for events can be made tours programme kept updated at www.rbge.org.uk through the Membership O¢ce on n and we would recommend checking Friends of RBGE Photography 0131 552 5339, unless otherwise Competition Exhibition this list and with the Garden you stated. Further details can be found 1 Feb – 24 Mar, John Hope Gateway, Free at and in the wish to visit prior to your trip. www.rbge.org.uk Your opportunity to view the monthly Members’ e-newsletter. Remember to take your RBGE finalists and cast your vote for your If you’d like to receive this, email us membership card with you to gain favourite photograph in the ‘People’s at [email protected]. admission to these Gardens. Choice’ category. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Open daily (except 25 December and 1 January) Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Members’ Christmas Tel: 0131 552 7171 • Email: [email protected] Admission to the Garden is free; charge applies to the Glasshouses. Shopping Evening Benmore Botanic Garden Monday 12 November, 6pm – 9pm The Botanics Shop, John Hope Gateway, Edinburgh Enjoy some complimentary refreshments whilst browsing our Christmas gift range and receive 15%* o­ all purchases on the night. Bring a guest, who will receive 5% discount. So we can cater for the appropriate numbers, please RSVP to Membership O ce 0131 552 5339 or [email protected] Members’ shopping events are also planned at Dawyck, Logan Open daily 1 March to 31 October and Benmore. See page 19 or www.rbge.org.uk for details. Dunoon, Argyll, PA23 8QU Tel: 01369 706261 • Email: [email protected] *excludes alcohol sales Admission charge applies. Logan Botanic Garden Give the gift of Membership Open Sundays only in February Open daily 1 March to 15 November and help the Garden grow Port Logan, Dumfries and Galloway, DG9 9ND Tel: 01776 860231 • Email: [email protected] Admission charge applies. Treat family or Dawyck Botanic Garden friends to a year of inspirational Garden visits with a unique gift of RBGE membership.

Open daily 1 February to 30 November Stobo, Scottish Borders, EH45 9JU 0131 552 5339 Tel: 01721 760254 • Email: [email protected] www.rbge.org.uk/membership Admission charge applies. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a charity registered in Scotland (number SC007983). For further information about the Gardens visit www.rbge.org.uk For a What’s On guide, contact Lorna Mitchell Sign up for our e-newsletter at www.rbge.org.uk/e-news Tel: 0131 248 2991 • Email: [email protected] Like us on . Follow us on .