Science Festival Fun • Scotland’s Biodiversity Revealed

T H E M A G A Z I N E O F T H E N AT I O N A L B O T A N I C G A R D E N S O F S C O T L A N D I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H I T S M E M B E R S I S S U E 1 6 | S P R I N G 2 0 0 4

Plants + people = adventure! This spring, from 3 to 13 April, the ever-popular Edinburgh International Science Festival returns to the Botanics, and it promises to be as exciting, fun and informative as ever. Last year an estimated 13,000 people joined in the host of

of his photographs.Then, join the Garden Guides (below)

activities and events, walks and talks for children and adults.

outdoors for a tour of George Forrest’s plants growing in

This year’s programme sees several of last year’s favourites

the Garden (see page 6).

returning. Survival: Nature’s Reality Gameshow (9 to 14 April) is a hilarious show with audience participation in which creatures

Take a trip behind the scenes to see the vast collection of dried plant

compete to stay in their habitat.

specimens held in the Herbarium, a

Flowers by Night, which sold out last

scientifically important resource not

year, is a unique evening walking tour

usually open to the public.The Herbarium

exploring sights, sounds and scents in

Open Day on 6 April offers four tours –

the Garden and Glasshouses after

at 10.30am, 12 noon, 2pm and 2.30pm.

George Forrest Life and legacy of a plant hunter

For children aged three to seven,

dark (5, 6 and 7 April). Real Life Science (2 to 11 April) is a

Rhythms and Potions of the Rainforest (left) is

drop-in, 30 minute live event offering

a magical, musical journey to the heart of

something different for science fans

the jungle.They’ll listen to stories, mix

every day – from maggot racing

herbal potions and make music with

to the chance to talk to real botanists

strange instruments. Adults and older

about their expeditions to

kids can explore the secrets of the double

far-away places!

helix with the excellent exhibition DNA in the Garden (top left),

Speaking of adventure… this year the Botanics celebrates the centenary of Scots plant

presented by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

hunter George Forrest’s first trip to Yunnan, China. So during the Science Festival and beyond there’s a chance to find out more about the adventures of Forrest in a unique exhibition

Most of the Science Festival events are free. For full details of dates, times and locations see the Events Programme or log onto www.rbge.org.uk

Variety, the spice of life Everyone’s talking about ‘biodiversity’, but what does it really mean, why is it important, and what are the threats to the variety of life on earth? Find out more on 14 and 15 April, when the Garden celebrates Scotland’s biodiversity. Wild About Nature, an all-day

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For those interested in the environment, the evening talk by

family event on Wednesday 14

Sir Crispin Tickell is a must. (6.30pm, Lecture theatre, £6/£4). Sir

April, is a chance to get up close

Crispin, former diplomat and leading environmental authority,

and personal with Scotland’s

explores the effects of climate change on the global ecosystem

trees and flowers, beasts and

and all living things – it promises to be a real eye-opener.

birds. People from Scottish

Thursday 15 April brings a one-day seminar entitled Science

Natural Heritage, the RSPB,

for Biodiversity, which comprises a programme of short talks on

National Trust for Scotland and the Pentland Hills Rangers will

the science behind conservation in Scotland.Topics include

be hosting hands-on activities in the Exhibition Hall from

lichens, sub-arctic willows, moths, worms in the oil industry,

10am to 5pm – all events are free. If rising at dawn doesn’t

maerl beds and genetics.The day is organised by the Action

daunt you, there’s a chance to experience birdsong at

Plan & Science Group of the Scottish Biodiversity Forum –

sunrise with the Edinburgh City Rangers (5am,

a full programme and booking form is available online

£8/£6, breakfast included).

at www.rbge.org.uk

SPRING 2004

Songs of Springtime Birdlife at the four Gardens

Garden’s Gateway More about this exciting project

A Pressing Task Handiwork of RBGE’s Herbarium Mounter

Regius Keeper Stephen Blackmore (right) with Scotland’s Minister for the Environment and Rural Affairs, Ross Finnie, during a visit to the Botanics in December. PHOTO: DEBBIE WHITE

CONTENTS f o r e wo r d

4 GEORGE FORREST, A CENTURY ON A Scots plant collector’s life and legacy.

8 SONGS OF SPRINGTIME Birds to hear and see at the four Gardens.

11 PLANS FOR GARDEN’S GATEWAY A chance to find out more.

12 A PRESSING TASK Handiwork of Rita Calder, RBGE’s Herbarium Mounter.

13 PERUVIAN AMAZON A brighter future for its forests and farmers.

14 WITH MEMBERS IN MIND Plant Auction and Sales, plus early summer trips in the UK and abroad.

16 SCIENCE FESTIVAL Discovery, adventure and biodiversity.

One third of a millennium after it was founded, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is responsible for an extraordinary heritage of internationally important collections. Our Living Collections are the second richest in the world in terms of the number of wild plant species represented. They are also rich in plants listed as threatened, or even extinct, in the wild. This year we celebrate the work of George Forrest, one of our most renowned plant hunters, a century after he first visited China. His photographs and letters are among many important collections held in our Archives; and his pressed plant specimens are preserved in our Herbarium. The Herbarium is an international treasure – one of the small number of global herbaria that have holdings of a significant proportion of the earth’s plant biodiversity. These collections are so much more than a historical record. They embody the knowledge base from which we can understand and investigate the world around us. As the importance of biodiversity rises up the political and scientific agenda, the European Union is investing in Europe’s biological collections which together represent half of the world’s total. I am delighted that the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, together with 19 partner organisations from 11 countries that make up the Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities

(CETAF), recently shared an award of 113 million from the European Union’s Sixth Framework Programme. The award will enable researchers to harness the power of Europe’s major biological collections by travelling between the key centres for biodiversity research. The SYNTHESYS (Synthesis of Systematic Resources) project will also enable the partners to work together on the development of standards for the care, storage and curation of collections, including DNA. Our own plans for the future include making these collections accessible to our visitors through exhibitions and interpretation in the Gateway Project. You may not be able to hear directly from George Forrest in the Gateway, but you will meet our modern-day collectors and learn about their work in Scotland and worldwide. Forrest himself, I am sure, would be pleased to note that one set of his herbarium specimens is now held in our twin organisation, the Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB). Our relationship with China goes from strength to strength – in late February the KIB appointed David Paterson as Honorary Director of Horticulture and myself as a Visiting Professor. International partnerships are the key to documenting and conserving biodiversity in the century ahead.

NEWS

Caley honours Garden staff

Talking Benmore Edinburgh.The compact, hand-held wand is for hire from the ticket office and shop at £1 (Members and Children 50p). In addition, the Garden now features 40 orientation panels covering over 10km of paths and providing information about features or plants.An extensive display highlighting Benmore’s role in plant conservation and research will be installed in the Courtyard Gallery later this season.

Visitors can enjoy improved interpretation at Benmore as it opens for the 2004 season, thanks to funding received from ‘Europe and Scotland – Making it Work Together’ and the Younger (Benmore) Trust.A new selfguided audio tour offers over six hours of stories about the Garden’s history, plant collections and people, told by botanists, horticulturists and personalities from both Benmore and the Royal Botanic Garden

Blue poppy crowned Capital’s emblem trained botanist Sir George Taylor (later Director of Kew) identified Meconopsis x sheldonii as a cross between M. grandis and M. betonicifolia. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was one of the first gardens to grow both parent plants and the resulting cross.Today the striking flower provides a feast of late spring colour at each of the four National Botanic Gardens of Scotland.

In January Edinburgh City Council selected the capital’s first floral emblem with advice from the Garden – the vibrant blue poppy. Meconopsis x sheldonii (recently renamed M. ‘Lingholm’).The blue poppy stole the crown from native plants on the shortlist – the rare sticky catchfly (Lychnis viscaria) and heather (Calluna vulgaris ‘Cramond’). The blue poppy has historic links with the capital. In the 1930s, Edinburgh-born and

Prestigious award for former Regius Keeper

Professor Stephen Blackmore Regius Keeper

FRONT COVER

Editor Ida Maspero ([email protected]) Contributing Editor Anna Levin ([email protected]) Layout John-Paul Shirreffs ([email protected]) Printed by J Thomson Colour Printers, Glasgow The Botanics is printed on paper made of wood pulp from managed, sustainable plantations. The paper is chlorine free, acid free, recyclable and bio-degradable.

Intrepid Scottish plant hunter George Forrest’s legacy lives on in garden introductions and valuable botanical specimens, while the colourful details of his adventures in Yunnan, China, come to life in his letters and photographs. DESIGN: J-P SHIRREFFS

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a recognised charity and is supported by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department. Opinions expressed within The Botanics are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The National Botanic Gardens of Scotland comprise:

Enquiries regarding circulation of The Botanics should be addressed to Eleanor Carter ([email protected]).

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Botanics is a publication of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20 A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR Tel. 0131 552 7171, fax 0131 248 2901, www.rbge.org.uk

Logan Botanic Garden, near Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway

2 THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

Benmore Botanic Garden, near Dunoon, Argyll Dawyck Botanic Garden, near Peebles, Borders

Sweet Reward In January Lizzie Sanders, a tutor of RBGE’s advanced botanical illustration courses, successfully exhibited a series of eight watercolour paintings at the RHS headquarters in London, and was awarded an RHS Gold Medal. The winning works feature the orchid Vanilla imperialis, painted from specimens growing in the Glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

.

Professor David Ingram OBE, Regius Keeper at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh from 1990 to 1998, was recently awarded the greatest accolade in British gardening circles – the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH). The medal is awarded annually to recognise leading figures in UK horticulture, and only 63 horticulturists can hold the VMH at any one time.This year’s two other recipients are TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh and orchid breeder Ray Bilton.

In January Sally Heron (left), the Garden’s first-ever Guide, received a certificate of merit for her contribution to horticulture at the annual Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (RCHS) awards. Sally, now in her fourteenth year at the Garden, continues to delight visitors to the Botanics with her enthusiasm and knowledge. The RCHS’s new president was also announced at the ceremony.After five years as president, Professor Fred Last handed over reigns to RBGE’s George Anderson (right). George joined the Garden in 1966 and now heads up its School of Horticulture. See the Events Programme for details of the RCHS Spring Flower Show.

Focus on ferns This summer the Botanics plays host to a major conference on ferns, organised by Mary Gibby, Director of Science, with colleagues Paul Kenrick and Johannes Vogel of the Natural History Museum, London; and Harald Schneider, University of Gottingen.The conference, called ‘Ferns for the 21st Century’ has support from the Linnean Society of London and the British Pteridological Society.The diverse programme includes sessions on fossils, species diversity, evolution, ecology and conservation, as well as the chance to see RBGE’s rich collections of living ferns. ‘Ferns for the 21st Century’ runs from Monday 12 to Friday 16 July 2004. Registrations, as well as contributed papers and posters, are welcome.Visit www.rbge.org.uk for more information or contact Carol Gibb, tel. 0131 248 2957, email [email protected]. Dr Philip Smith, 1942–2004

In January the Garden bid a sad farewell to friend and colleague Philip Smith, who died after a short illness. Philip was the mainstay of whole plant botany at Edinburgh University, inspirational supervisor to generations of students, and co-founder and co-director of the Edinburgh MSc in The Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants. He enthusiastically supported the Botanical Society of Scotland, particularly the Flora of the Lothians project. Philip will be remembered for his humour, his sagacity, and his brilliant lectures which covered all aspects of botany. He was also a dear friend to many RBGE staff. THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

3

George Forrest with his chief collector, a Naxi named Lao Chao, who worked with Forrest from 1906 onwards. The location and photographer of this picture is unknown.

Life and legacy of a

plant hunter

that area of China, several of the plants he

mentorship, and an opportunity offered by

collected were new to science, and RBGE

A.K. Bulley, a Liverpool cotton broker and

botanists were tasked with classifying them

lover of alpine plants. Both Balfour and

– our Herbarium is rich in type specimens.

Bulley were tantalised by reports of

From there the Garden’s expertise in the

amazing new botanical discoveries

flora of this part of the world, and its

being made in the remote region of

interest in rhododendrons, grew.

Yunnan at the time, especially by a

“Forrest was also a pioneer of

French missionary named Delavay.

methods,” continues Mark. “Unlike other

If these reports were to be

collectors at the time, he extensively

believed, a handsome profit

employed local people as collectors. It’s a

awaited those who could collect

practice we rely on these days, and these

seed and introduce Yunnan’s

helpers are often called parataxonomists. In

treasures to the gardens of the

addition, the quality of the data he provided

West.

for each collection – altitude, habitat, plant

send a man to Yunnan to harvest seed.

peers.”

Balfour, equally interested in finding out

Building on Forrest’s legacy, the Garden

On 14 May 1904, a 31-year-old herbarium assistant called George Forrest set off from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for a great unknown on the other side of the world – the remote, mountainous region of Yunnan, south-west China. For this intrepid Scot, his first journey would mark the start of a love affair with the tough, challenging existence of a plant hunter, and with the landscape of Yunnan. For British gardens, this trip and Forrest’s six subsequent expeditions would mean a wealth of scientific discoveries and new gems. Ida Maspero reports.

A

century after George Forrest began his collecting career, the legacy of his

In the RBGE Herbarium, where dried plant specimens for scientific study are

temperate flora. “Forrest had a profound influence on the

stored, the 31,000 or so specimens

research interests of the Garden,” says

collected by Forrest bear testament to the

RBGE’s Flora of China expert Mark

iris, camellia, clematis, gentian, jasmine and

fact that his travels not only brought new

Watson. “He sent pressed specimens of all

conifer introduced by him from their native

material to horticulture, but gave botanists

the plants he collected to the RBGE for

China and gracing gardens around the

in Britain a new understanding of a unique

identification. Since Forrest was a pioneer in

travels is evident in the many familiar species of primula, rhododendron,

world today. At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) more than 50 original Forrest introductions and their descendents can be seen. His botanical and scientific legacy, too, is remembered in the work undertaken by botanists at RBGE and elsewhere. A century later, the landscape Forrest traversed has changed dramatically – once uncharted valleys and forests are now developed and deforested. Yet modern-day Chinese scientists and their collaborators are treading in his footsteps, continually studying and mapping the flora of China – an exercise which will help preserve the rich biodiversity of this area.

Bulley resolved to start a nursery, and

description etc. – far exceeded that of his

what Yunnan held, recommended the

is a key partner in the modern study of

young Forrest: “He is a strongly built fellow

China’s flora. Since the late 1980s strong

and seems to be to be of the right grit for a

collaborative links have been built with

collector,” he wrote to Bulley.

Chinese institutes, especially the Kunming

Despite having fallen in love with a

Institute of Botany; and duplicate sets of

colleague at the Herbarium, Clementina

Forrest’s dried specimens have been

Traill, Forrest took up the challenge and

returned to Chinese herbaria.

packed for China. A journey by sea, paddleboat up the Irrawaddy and finally by mule

‘Of the right grit…’

and on foot over the border to China

Born in Falkirk in 1873, George Forrest

brought him to Tengyueh (modern-day

showed the makings of an adventurer as a

Tengchong), which would serve as his base.

young man. Having worked as a

Upon returning from his first expedition in

pharmacist’s apprentice for a few years, 25-

April 1907, he married Clementina and

year-old Forrest inherited some money and

would remain faithful to her despite

went exploring in Australia. His love of the

being absent from home for extended

outdoors and desire to travel, as well as his

periods. They had three sons, George,

physical resilience and

Eric and Charles.

In Forrest's footsteps – Henry Noltie, David Long and Crinan Alexander wade through a stream to reach botanical treasures growing in a gorge near the Da Xue Shan (Big Snow Mountain), north-west Yunnan. Inset: Primula forrestii in the field. PHOTOS: MARK WATSON

Forrest’s field photo of Rhododendron decorum. His notes on the back of the print read: “Single plant, Mekong Valley. Flowers white, fragrant. 6–8ft in height. Alt(itude) 9,000ft.”

instinctive curiosity were honed during this trip, and were evident by the time he started work in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. In fact, he’d been recommended to Isaac Bayley Balfour, the then Regius Keeper of the Garden, after finding human bones from the early Christian period on the bank of a reservoir! Forrest’s future took a turn toward adventure

Forrest’s camp in the Yulong Xue Shan during his first expedition.

4 THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

thanks to Balfour’s

THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

5

photographs Forrest took. Some of his expeditions were sponsored by syndicates of individuals and organisations with an interest in natural history, and he was contracted to collect not only plants, but birds, mammals and insects too. Forrest became quite an expert at taxidermy!

New Forrest biography

Several species were eventually described as new to science and named in his honour. Many of his

Packing crates of seeds and specimens collected in the 1913 season, ready for despatch – Frank Kingdon Ward’s haul (right) and Forrest’s (left). These two photos accompanied a letter to JC Williams in 1914, which read: “I enclose prints of Ward’s collection and my own… Comparisons are vile but this one justifies itself.”

Adventure, hardship and discovery In the course of his 28-year career, Forrest

collections, including pheasants, squirrels and butterflies, are held by the Natural History Museum, London. The extraordinary extent of Forrest’s Pursued by a group of lamas, Forrest hid

out in the hills for 21 days, enduring hunger

undertook seven expeditions to Yunnan,

and exposure. He had been reported dead.

lasting up to three years at a time. The

Recovering at Tali, pleased to be alive,

range of his travels covered the spectacular

Forrest reflected on his loss in a letter to Balfour: “In the sack

Cang Shan and Yulong Xue Shan

Forrest centenary at the Botanics

mountain ranges (or

of Tsekou, I have lost everything; 700

the Tali and Lichiang

Come and learn more about the life and

species of dried

mountain ranges, as

legacy of George Forrest between 3 April and

specimens, 70

they were called

27 June in the Exhibition Hall. A unique

species of plant

then), and included

exhibition tells of his travels and shows the

the great divides

plant hunter’s own fascinating photographs,

and over 50

created by the

along with various artefacts.

negatives of

mighty Mekong,

From 1 April to 30 June the Garden Guides

plants…Worst of all

Salween and

present ‘In the footsteps of George Forrest’, a 90-

I have lost the

Yangtse rivers.

minute tour exploring the species introduced

greater part of the

by George Forrest (many are original plants or

season and this

Trekking through

seeds, my camera

collections was thanks in no small part to the fact that he had a great talent for training helpers. He recruited collectors familiar with the lie of the land from the native tribes, especially the Naxi; and relied on a core group of collectors headed up by the trusty Lao Chao. These people would scour the mountainsides at different times of year, often in Forrest’s absence. The result is that Forrest was able to amass more plant material in the course of one season than some of his rival plant collectors. Forrest died of a heart attack while out in the field, on 6 January 1932, not far from his base at Tengyueh. He was just over a year into his seventh expedition, funded by a syndicate of 39 sponsors.

Lady Amherst pheasants (Chrysolophus amherstiae), bagged for the zoological collector Lord Rothschild in 1922. Below the long tails are stacks of plant specimens between papers. Forrest gained a reputation as a fine collector not only of plants, but of animal specimens.

photographs housed in the RBGE archives, as well as

hundreds of letters written by him to RBGE

correspondence kept by Forrest’s descendants, and

life in black and white. The explorer was a

Regius Keeper Isaac Bayley Balfour, and his

material held elsewhere.The

prolific photographer, capturing the places,

successor William Wright Smith. These

breadth of her research has

plants and people of Yunnan. His camera,

letters recount his travels and observations,

resulted in a book that sheds

developing equipment and boxes of glass

triumphs and trials in a chatty style and

new light on the man, and

plates accompanied him everywhere (quite

flowing hand. Over 20 of his meticulous

reveals new information about

a feat considering how bulky such kit would

field note books, documenting his botanical

Forrest’s sponsors – individuals

have been!); and he developed some of his

finds, are also kept in the archives. Forrest

and syndicates who funded

negatives in the field. Forrest produced the

did not keep diaries, and he never wrote up

his seven expeditions for

first photos of many of Yunnan’s plants in

an account of his travels, so these

the wild.

photographs, letters and notes provide the

This pictorial legacy takes the shape of

RBGE archives. Over the

association with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh,

last two years Archives

retail price £29.50.The 240 pages are sumptuously

Librarian Leonie Paterson

illustrated with Forrest’s own black and white photos

has been sorting and

as well as contemporary colour plates.

at £3 (£2.50 concession) from the Shop.

fascinating discoveries she has made in the

Some of these tales are now wellknown. On his very first expedition, in

course of her research. Signed copies of her book will be on sale. For details of the date and venue, visit www.rbge.org.uk or tel. 0131 248 2991.

George Forrest, Plant Hunter is published in hardback later this spring by Antique Collectors’Club in

south-west China

natural hazards.

Reader offer

varied subject matter.

Order your copy of George Forrest, Plant Hunter

earned a reputation

before 30 June 2004 and pay only £26

as a meticulous,

(recommended retail price £29.50). Plus,

prolific collector of

postage and packing is free*. Send your contact

plant specimens and

details and cheque payment to: Publications

seeds, whose botanical observations were also of

writings reveal his personal observations, ambitions

original prints) housed in the

revealing their scope and

the Botanics about Forrest's life and the

various purposes. Extensive quotations from Forrest’s letters and and emotions in a distinct voice.

(glass plate negatives and

11am and 2pm from the West Gate; tickets sell

situations and

pieces of his life’s puzzle.

an estimated 1,700 images

cataloguing Forrest’s photos,

In April, author Brenda McLean will talk at

Brenda (below) has delved into the letters and

Edinburgh, Forrest’s adventures come to

than anything.”

face with conflict

Among the wealth of Forrest-related

In the archives of the Royal Botanic Garden

grieves me more Forrest soon

Brenda McLean’s new book George Forrest, Plant Hunter is

documents also kept in the archives are

their direct descendents!).Tours run daily at

brought him face to

fascinating detail in a new biography, due out in April. the culmination of many years of meticulous research.

Snapshots of an extraordinary life

mountain regions of

the remote

Forrest's remarkable life's story is told in vivid and

Department, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Forrest also photographed the native tribes of Yunnan and wrote in detail about their culture in letters home. This picture is captioned “Lo-ma-dé Lissoo group in the Salwin Valley. Consul Litton [Forrest’s friend] in background.”

20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR. If you wish to pay by credit card, please phone Ellie Carter on tel. 0131 248 2991 or email

the summer of 1905, Forrest had to flee for

great value to scientists. On all his

his life. Warring Tibetan lamas had sacked

expeditions, dried plant specimens were

[email protected]

the mission at Tsekou where Forrest was

sent back to the Royal Botanic Garden

*Free postage and packing applies to UK orders

staying, and had subsequently murdered his

Edinburgh for identification and naming.

two missionary friends.

The Garden also received material for propagation, as well as the wealth of

6 THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

These are examples of Forrest’s herbarium specimens, his more than 20 field note books, and his specimen labels in safekeeping at RBGE.

only. Overseas prices on request – please contact us by phone, email or post as above. THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

7

In early April the willow warbler returns from its wintering quarters in West Africa and serenades the spring with its rippling song. PHOTO: LAURIE

Songs

of Springtime

CAMPBELL

Benmore Garden Supervisor Neil McCheyne takes us on a tour of Benmore’s birdlife. “On entering the Garden, pause while crossing the footbridge over the river Eachaig and you’re likely see at least one of our resident dippers. These hardy birds love the shallow, fast-flowing water and are unique among song birds in being able to feed underwater. They are one of the first species to breed and may be nesting as early as March. Among the tall trees of the Eachaig Arboretum and Redwood Avenue you are

As you enjoy the wonderful sights and scents of the Gardens in spring, listen out for the backdrop of birdsong. The increase in daylight that awakens plantlife also triggers hormone changes in birds, and they begin to sing – proclaiming breeding space and attracting a mate. Garden staff and Guides share their tips for bird-watching – and listening – in RBGE’s four Gardens.

in the domain of the chaffinch, goldcrest, siskin, tree creeper, as well as blue, great and coal tits. Look for smooth, round depressions in

range of species,” explains

Inverleith

Robert. “The conifers are

The Garden at Inverleith is an urban oasis for Edinburgh’s birds and birdwatchers.

DAWN CHORUS WALKS

long-tailed tits performing

the soft fibrous bark of the redwood trunks

acrobatics on the delicate

– these are small shelters excavated by tree

home to coal tits, great tits,

Inverleith:Wednesday 7 & 14

twigs of the birch trees

April at 5am (part of Science

creepers. They make shelters at different

siskins, finches and the tiny

outside the window. As the

“Stand still for a moment and listen,” says

goldcrest, Britain’s smallest

Festival); Saturday 1 May &

positions around the tree so they’re

longest-standing member of

RBGE conifer specialist and keen bird-

bird – listen out for its thin,

Wednesday 5 May, 6.30am.

protected whatever the prevailing wind.

staff, he’s seen changes in the

watcher Robert Mill. “That’s the secret for

It’s a common sight to see these industrious

high-pitched call. The

Dawyck: Sunday 16 May, 4am.

Garden’s birdlife over the

hearing and then seeing so much more. If

birds working up in a spiralling direction

dense, shrubby areas such

For booking details see the Events

past 30 years.

you learn to recognise bird calls and songs,

from the base of the large trees,

as the Chinese Hillside and

Programme or visit

you’ll be aware of so many more species than you’ll actually see.” The birds of Inverleith are mostly common urban garden species, present in large numbers and relatively

Copse are good for

The Garden’s different habitats attract a range of species.

tame, so it’s an excellent place to familiarise yourself with their appearance, behaviour and song. “The Garden’s different habitats attract a

www.rbge.org.uk

bullfinches all year

“Hawfinches were once seen every year in May and attracted many birdwatchers

searching in all the nooks and crannies for tasty morsels.

Around March, life returns to the Formal Garden and robins, great tits, chaffinches and greenfinches sit at the very tips of the conifers proclaiming their territories and inviting prospective mates to come for a closer look. Pied wagtails return from their wintering grounds in England and France and proudly strut around the lawns leaping up to catch any passing insects. Many people associate the cuckoo with the coming of spring but I think that the return of the chiffchaff in late March is the first real promise of finer days ahead. They can be found on the hillside around the viewpoint area where there is a mixture of tall, mature trees – which they sing from – and light scrub where they nest on the ground. Another small bird that enjoys the same conditions is the willow warbler,

round and attract blackcaps in

to the Garden, but they haven’t been seen

which returns during early April. Its

spring and summer. The wilder area

since the 1980s,” he says. “We don’t know

cascading song is a real joy.

behind the Beech Hedge is another

why, perhaps there are so many nest-

In the Chilean

good place to listen out for the

raiding magpies in the Garden now, or

Rainforest Glade you

lovely rippling cadence of the

because the sparrowhawks are back in

may be fortunate

willow warbler.”

force – they are now breeding here, and

enough to encounter

you see little puffs of feathers around the

hen harriers. The

is Curator of the British Herbarium Douglas

Garden where a pigeon met a

openness of the

McKean. From his office, he enjoys watching

sparrowhawk!”

young plantings is

Another birder among the Garden’s staff

In May, the Dawn Chorus walks at

ideal for hunting small

6.30am are a special opportunity to enjoy

birds and mammals,

the songs and scents of the early morning.

and the heather-

RSPB’s Mike Betts will be the guide to the

covered slopes

Garden’s birds and birdsong, while Garden

beyond are perfect

Guide Cathy Bell will seek out the scented

for nesting. Here,

flowers whose fragrance is strongest in

early in the morning,

early morning.

you could be treated to the strange, bubbling call of the black grouse, one of our rarest native birds.

The birds of Inverleith are mostly common garden species, but the more unusual visitors include night herons from a feral colony at Edinburgh Zoo. Night herons are much smaller than common herons, and, despite their name, can be seen in the day. PHOTO: DEBBIE WHITE 8 THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

The dipper delights visitors to Benmore with its chirping song, which evolved to be heard above the sound of running water. PHOTO: LAURIE CAMPBELL

The great-spotted woodpecker needs standing dead wood or mature trees for its nest holes – Benmore’s Arboretum and Dawyck’s woodlands fit the bill. PHOTO: LAURIE CAMPBELL

Logan “The trills and chatter of finches and tits greet you as you enter the Garden,” says Curator Barry Unwin. “We feed the birds regularly here, attracting siskins, greenfinches and chaffinches, and you’ll see blue, coal and great tits all year round. Once we even had a hawfinch feeding on melon seeds that we’d left out. Flocks of longtailed tits fly over in the winter and early

Little birds line their nests with the soft,fine hairs from the crowns of the tree ferns.

spring, and crossbills are occasionally seen in the area by the shop, opening pine cones to get at the seed. Chiffchaff can be seen and heard anytime from mid-March, and by April willow warblers will be singing throughout the Garden. Wheatears are often seen on the drive, as well as the first swallows, sand martins and house martins. In the past few years, the house martins have nested in the Discovery Centre and their bubbling trills can be heard around that area. Several pairs of barn owls nest nearby. Obviously they usually hunt at dusk, but when bad weather or windy nights prevent them doing so, they will hunt in the day, and they’re sometimes seen and heard at the end of the drive.

THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

9

At the very northern edge of the nuthatch’s range, Dawyck offers a rare opportunity to see this beautiful bird in Scotland. PHOTO: LAURIE CAMPBELL

There are plenty of birds of prey in and around the Garden – buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks are quite common, and peregrines fly over the Garden in spring. Hen harriers can sometimes be seen in the nearby fields and osprey, red kite and merlin have all been sighted at this time of year. The birds certainly make use of the exotic plantings at Logan – little birds such as chaffinch and goldfinch line their nests

several warbler species, we should find

Dawyck

with the very soft, fine hairs from the

redstart – a real stunner – and hope to locate nuthatch.”

palms (below), taking the fibres for

At Dawyck, a special treat awaits early birds who make it along to the dawn chorus walk.

their nests.

The wild beauty of Dawyck’s woodlands is

places in Scotland where this species is

at its most magical in the springtime, and as

found. Shaped like a mini-woodpecker, it

the succession of flowers burst into bloom,

can be seen climbing up and down trees,

so the bird song builds to a crescendo as

and its clear song has been described as “a

crowns of the tree ferns, and other birds are seen flying to and from the chusan

spring progresses. Early in March, only the resident species will be singing, such as chaffinch, blackbird, great tit, blue tit and robin (below right), and perhaps dippers chirping from the burn. Then the summer migrants begin to arrive, and as well as chiffchaffs and willow

The nuthatch is among the Garden’s star attractions as Dawyck is one of the few

man whistling for his dog.” “Some dead wood is left and this

The nuthatch is among the Garden’s star attractions

warblers, blackcaps bring bursts of rich,

encourages a more diverse invertebrate range, therefore providing a greater food source for many species,” says Damion. “Mature and decaying trees provide nest holes for birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatch and tawny

owl. The extensive beech forest is

pure notes and wood warblers add their

particularly favoured by redstart and wood

sweet trills to the chorus. By mid-May, all

warbler; a dense understory in parts of the

the migrants will have arrived, even late

Garden enables ground nesters such as

arrivals such as the spotted flycatcher, and

warblers to breed, while sunny glades

the bird song is at its peak. At that time, the dawn chorus is

provide feeding sites for redstart and spotted flycatcher.”

Drawings of new Gateway unveiled This spring the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will present architects’ plans and a threedimensional model of the proposed Gateway facility, expected to be completed in 2007. Visitors and residents have the opportunity to get involved in further stages of the project, now that what is known as the Stage C (viability) report is nearing completion. The unveiling of the architects’ plans is the culmination of thorough consultation with management and staff of the Garden as well as with visitors. The new building, to be sited at the West Gate, will provide an exciting introduction to the Garden, with temporary

Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland. “Anyone is welcome to get in touch with

The challenge is to raise the necessary funds – this is well underway.

effort is RBGE’s Campaign Board, headed up by Royal Bank of Scotland chairman, Sir

members of the community

George Mathewson. RBGE’s Development

liaison group to find out more

Manager, Jackie Whalen, commented: “The

about the project,” adds Clara

Garden is fortunate to have such a

Govier. “Further plans for

committed Campaign Board who are

keeping visitors and residents

passionate about communicating the

abreast of developments include

importance of the Gateway.” Regius

media coverage, regular updates

Keeper Stephen Blackmore added: “We are

and permanent exhibitions as well as live

on the RBGE website www.rbge.org.uk and

delighted to be receiving significant

interpretation exploring the world of plants;

information in the Garden itself once

contributions for the Gateway Project and

visitor information and reception; a rooftop

construction gets underway.” The

will report on these in a future issue.”

restaurant and shop.

architects’ plans and frequently asked

The architects Edward Cullinan are

questions about the project are currently

refining their ideas for a low-impact,

available on the website. Further questions

‘porous’ building moulded to the contours

and comments may be sent to

of the Garden, and a process of public

[email protected]

At the time of going to press, the date for the public drop-in session had not been confirmed. Please visit our website www.rbge.org.uk for an announcement, or email [email protected]

As the project develops, the challenge is

spectacular, and according to local birder

communication will get underway following

Damion Willcock, the experience is well

the completion of Stage C. A drop-in

to raise the necessary funds – this is well

worth getting out of bed for! He will be

session to view the 3D model is planned,

underway. Charged with the fundraising

leading an early morning walk, starting at

and liaison groups have been created.

4am, on Sunday 16 May. “We start so

An architect’s cross-section visual of the building and landscape, seen from the south-east.

“We have invited the involvement of

early so that we can pick out the

community and business liaison groups to

species one by one as they join the

encourage interest in the project and give

chorus,” he explains. “Invariable a

people an avenue to stay informed,” says

song thrush or robin will be first…so

Press and Marketing Officer Clara Govier.

it continues until 20 or 30 species

The community liaison group is made up

might be singing simultaneously. At

of local leaders, and the business and

that hour of the morning, tawny

tourism liaison group comprises

owls should still be out and we’ll use

representatives from key players such as

CD recordings to ‘strike up a rapport’ with them. As well as 10 T H E B O T A N I C S

SPRING 2004

An artist’s impression of the new Gateway and West Gate entrance, looking outwards from within the Garden. THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

11

Rita tends to delicately beautiful plant specimens suspended in a spirit solution. PHOTO: DEBBIE WHITE

Indian treasures unearthed In ‘Gifts to the Garden’ of the autumn 2003 issue, we reported a A market stall in Amazonian Peru with wildcommissioned by Robert Wight. Here’s the story behind the story. harvested fruits of the rainforest tree Rollinia mucosa. PHOTO: ANDREW

A Pressing Task

£10,000 donation toward the conservation of watercolours

You may hear about plant collecting trips to exotic places, or be familiar with plant specimens catalogued and preserved in a herbarium, but the painstaking work that goes on between these stages is mostly invisible to the outside world. Anna Levin goes behind the scenes to meet Herbarium Mounter Rita Calder.

T

he shelves of Rita Calder’s office are

MCROBB (RBG KEW)

A brighter future for Peru’s forests and farmers The recent publication of a free, user-friendly guide to the useful trees of the Peruvian Amazon marked the final phase of a major Darwin Initiative project based at the Garden, ‘Tree diversity and agroforestry development in the Peruvian Amazon’.

use, so it’s important that the information

miniature orchids – the delicate, paper-thin,

stacked high with newspapers from

is displayed, but it’s also creative

colourless flowers float like mysterious

throughout the past century and from all

and beautiful.”

sea creatures.

over the world – The Wall St Journal,

Most specimens are preserved in this

Jakarta Post, Sunday Times of India and Mexican tabloids. This is not an international cuttings agency but the RBGE Herbarium, and each folded sheet of newspaper contains carefully pressed plant specimens from botanical expeditions.

These are botanical specimens for scientific use,but they are also creative and beautiful.

Rita is assisted by a small team of

1,000 children from 19 schools more about plants through The Rainforest Roadshow;

n the autumn 2003 issue of The Botanics

potentially useful trees and identifying them

mounting 10,000 plant specimens for

(page 5) we reported on the key training

properly – in many cases only their local

research; publishing Sibbaldia, RBGE’s new

objectives of this three-year project.

Spanish names were known.” The project

journal of horticulture and supplying a

Designed as a handbook for local

has consolidated information about

specialist vehicle for the Garden’s tree

I

RBGE’s Dr Pete Hollingsworth and his

colossal. Together they mount an average

A prime example is the leguminous

team received an additional £15,000 from

specimens are also preserved in

of 115 specimens a week, but with collections arriving from ongoing

Cedrelinga cateniformis, a widespread paintings and Wight’s life andiswork in India. Amazonian tree. “Its wood an excellent

English Nature towards on-going work in

a ‘Copenhagen solution’ of

their utilisation) is the first of its kind and has In thedesperately early 19th century, doctor It been neededScottish in this region.

glycerol, distilled water and

expeditions as well as donations and loans

meths. These are housed in the

from an international network of research

aptly-named ‘spirit room’

institutions, there is now a backlog of more

below the herbarium. The

than 20,000 specimens waiting to be

be maintained, and so

processed.

there are jars and jars

behind the scenes, a chance to

she says. “I’m often

batches, showing the different parts that a

containing strange,

meet some RBGE scientists and see

working on my own here

botanist may need to study, such as fronts

translucent forms, like the

plant specimens collected over

and people ask if I get

and backs of leaves, flowers and fruits. Each

ghosts of plants from

hundreds of years. Come along to

lonely – but I don’t have

one is labelled and a ‘capsule’ is attached –

expeditions long ago.

one of the four 1.5 hour tours,

time, I’m so absorbed in

starting from the Exhibition Hall at

what I’m doing. I enjoy

Rita checks all the

“There is a lot to do,

pieces, which can be used for microscope

specimens regularly, topping

10.30am, 12 noon, 2pm and

looking at plants from

studies and other research.

up the spirit where

3.30pm. Numbers are limited, so

different areas and

necessary.

come early to secure your place!

occasionally going to a talk

“I love coming down

or slide show about a

and sheets of blotting paper placed

here,” she says, “you see some weird and

particular expedition. Sometimes it’s like

between each specimen. Each batch is

wonderful things. Many of them are quite

going on a botanical world tour from your

weighed down, using small weights or old

exquisite.”

own wee room.”

The jars are all numbered, and

fragile sections such as the points of leaves

correspond to dried samples

are taped down; shrubbier stalks are sewn

in the Herbarium

to the card and the stitches secured with

above. Sample

tape – it’s intricate, fiddly work.

3022 contains

SPRING 2004

achieve a range of successes, such as: telling

translates as Useful trees of the Amazon and

first task is to lay out the specimens in small

12 T H E B O T A N I C S

support the Garden has been able to

some new uses.

but I just get on with it,”

Shrubbier stalks of pressed, dried specimens are carefully sewn to the card to secure them. Here, the card is punched before sewing. PHOTO: DEBBIE WHITE

wonderful achievement. Thanks to their

Spanish-language tree guide (whose title

Tuesday 6 April offers a rare glimpse

botanical specimens intended for scientific

Patrons’ gifts in 2003 reached £73,822 – a

volunteers, but still her workload is

colour out of the plant, so

of the plant,” Rita explains. “They are

Here’s a round-up of recent gifts.

structure of the plant needs to

storage and study in the Herbarium. The

the relevant details such as the seed heads

scientific research in 40 countries worldwide.

surgery team.

The Herbarium Open Day on

“If it has been pressed well, you can see

conservation, educational programmes and

traditional uses of trees, as well as revealed

structure but takes the

telephone directories! To finish off, any

continue its commitment to plant

foresters, farmers and students, the new

involves preparing the pressed plants for

sheets using PVA glue, with a sheet of tissue

welcomes grants and donations to help

“wonderful, dedicated and creative”

solution maintains the

The specimens are then glued to the

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

way, but for some research, the

Rita’s role as Herbarium Mounter

a small envelope containing loose specimen

Gifts to the Garden

I

conservation genetics research.

Robert Wight will serve as atravelled vital source extensively throughout of information about

“In many other collections of alternative to sought-after Indian botanical drawings, mahogany,” explains Toby. the “It is

The Idlewild Trust has awarded the Garden

southern India, working the identification, as a plant taxonomist. propagation, care and

related herbarium faster growing thanspecimens mahogany have been lost, ” he explains. and can be easily and

Project which will help conserve Vietnam’s

With the help of Indian harvesting of 140 collectors he assembled a economically useful

“This collection is so important sustainably cultivated in a because we have both elements plantation. The trials look good

vast herbarium collection Amazonian trees – and described a sustainable sources of

and the level of – thisbecause tree is of potentially a very scientific documentation. valuable source of incomeThe for

undertake the first part of a feasibility

remarkable number of fruits and timber which genera and species. He could provide much- also

paintings are not just small farmers, and will decorative but incredibly hopefully slow the demand

3,800ha botanical park.

produced a renowned series needed income to smallof illustrated books on the scale farmers.

accurate, and each herbarium for the threatened sheet has a fascinating mahogany.” Other tree

a grant of £2,000 towards a Plant Archive biodiversity for future generations. The Garden has received a £5,400 grant from the Government of Bhutan to study into the development of a new

Thanks also go to two anonymous donors who recently donated £5,000 and £1,700 in

southern “The greatest threat to Indian flora. Amazon is slash the Peruvian

layered species history.” have been Despite spending four earmarked for their fruits,months which in areMadras suitable

support of the Garden’s work.

collections aresubsistence now widely farmers,” scattered in andHis burn clearing by major herbaria, but one of the most explains RBGE’s Toby Pennington, co-author

searching for clues, Henry was unable to for local markets. discover any about thewill artists “We hopemore thatdetails this free guide help

donations toward the Gateway Project (see

important – containing specimens of the guide along with 23,000 his father Terry – is housed at RBGE, having come with the (of (based at RBG Kew) and Carlos Reynel

themselves.“It relatively unusual at the the inhabitantswas of the Peruvian Amazon to time to credit the artists, ” he says.“I’d be exploit the diversity of tree species in a

in future issues.

University of Glasgow’s herbarium the University of La Molina, Lima).in 1966. In addition, 500 of the original paintings “Essentially the purpose of the project is to

interested know what they doing sustainabletoway, leading to a were better future before this Scot commissioned them paint for both the people and the forest,”toToby

the Garden’s work in science, horticulture,

commissioned for Wight’s bookson were tucked encourage sustainable forestry a small, away in the RBGE library’s extensive local scale. The hard plant science bit of the

plants for him. worked concludes. “ButThey our may workhave is not donein– we temples painting religious stories, perhaps are applying for further funding toorbuild on

the Development Office, tel. 0131 2482866 or

illustrations archive. RBGEuptaxonomist project involved drawing an inventory of Henry Noltie came across these paintings in

they were cloth painters.” the achievements of the last three years.” While the details of the artists’ lives may

The Garden has already received significant page 11). Details of these will be published

If you wish like to make a donation toward conservation and education, please contact e-mail Becky Govier, [email protected]

New face for Developmentbe lost, this project ensures that their work

the course of his work on the Indian flora,

and realised the rather crude black and white Mike Robinson recently joined the National reproductions in Wight’s books gave no hint Botanic Gardens of Scotland as Head of of the incredible quality of the original Development, following the departure of watercolours by two Indian artists – Rungiah Janice Reilly in November 2003. Having and Govindoo. spent ten years with the Royal Society for In 2002, Henry embarked on an extensive the Protection of Birds (RSPB) as Head of research project to conserve the paintings, Marketing, Mike brings with him catalogue the corresponding herbarium considerable experience in the promotion specimens and produce a book on the

will be conserved, celebrated of membership and giving initiatives. He and appreciated by a adds, “I’ve always been passionate about far wider audience. the environment, and joining the Garden is

a great privilege. I look forward to raising awareness and support of the Garden’s work even further, and meeting the exciting challenges that such a high-profile project as the Gateway presents.” THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

13

with

Green fingers

Members in mind

A Forrest (under)story

Forrest number 5862 is one of the best, now known

Choosing a plant collector as a theme for your garden is novel and fun, says Pete Brownless.

as R.saluenense ssp. chameunum.It is one

Thematic plantings appear to be the hardy

August many branched panicles of hundreds

perennials of the past decade, but the next step is to

of pink flowers are produced, extending to

rhododendrons to

develop a theme that nobody else

about a meter in height and in autumn the

propagate from semi-

of the easier

Pete Brownless takes us on a tour of the world's leaves turn russet-orange and flame-red. It can hardy ineasily search of an by inspiring challenge collector could be angesneriads,be increased divisions in the autumn gardens interestingfor starting point. back home. or spring.

has thought of. Choosing a plant

This year the Garden

how about the strong, vertical leaves of Iris

George Forrest’s first

chrysographes (Forrest number S421). From May to June, it will produce an exuberant

These plants can be found in many parts of RBGE’s four Gardens,

Rhododendron saluenense

and it’s a testimony to the early plant collectors that such plants are readily

so this is a timely issue to

display of deep violet flowers, each suffused with a

explore a Forrest theme.

broad golden vein. In the autumn and winter, the

look at the bottom left of the Garden’s labels to

seed heads can be left for statuesque decorative

identify the plant collectors, and have fun creating

effect. It can be propagated in the same manner as

your own collector-based thematic plantings –

the Rodgersia.

and challenge visitors to your garden to

For a shady woodland corner, a foil of Rodgersia pinnata, (Forrest number

Iris chrysographes

will speed rooting.

As a contrast for the front of the border,

celebrates the centenary of expedition to Yunnan, China,

ripe basal cuttings in summer; a little base heat

440) collected in forest

In the foreground, try the dwarf evergreen shrub

margins in south-west

Rhododendron saluenense, which grows to only 60 cm.

available to plant in your garden.Take a

identify your theme!

China could be very effective. Luxuriant frond-like

Throughout late March and April, it is bejewelled

Pete Brownless is Head of the Garden Nursery

leaves burst from the rhizomes in spring. In July and

with over-sized rose- purple flowers.

Email [email protected]

Take home a botanical treasure

S

pring brings some of the highlights of the Members’ calendar – the annual Plant Sale and Members’ Auction.

towards the vital work of the Garden. The Auction, exclusive to members, is always a special night, and

Both events are a wonderful opportunity to

Nursery staff are promising

stock up a new garden, or augment an

some sizeable

existing one, with a great variety of plants at

Rhododendron, Viburnum

bargain prices, as well as having a fun outing,

and Sorbus specimens as

gleaning some horticultural tips from the

well as a range of alpines

experts and raising thousands of pounds

among this year’s lots. All plants are now supplied

This year Benmore Members are holding their own Plant Sale.

with a laminated ‘certificate

“We’ve got a mix of annuals, perennials and biennials,” says Caroline Pearson who is

profusion of wild flowers bloom in the grassy

the old formal garden of 17th century manor

alpine meadows and lush pastures. Walks

house Squerryes Court.

to explore the history of this

include the Eiger glacier and Valley

former kingdom, with trips

of Flowers; and painting sessions

the summer season. In May, there is an

with resident artist Jane Butters will

opportunity to admire feature shrubs and

offer the chance to record this

rhododendrons in two private gardens in

breathtaking, inspiring scenery.

Perthshire, as well as an evening outing to the

Among the gardens selected are two designed by Harold Peto:

climbing plants, and water plants – there

Wayford Manor, noted for its

really is something for everyone!”

magnolias and acers. Other

A profusion of wild flowers bloom in the grassy alpine meadows.

A series of day trips also runs throughout

Members head for South East

dramatic Arnot Tower with its ten acres of

England in July, home to some of

garden and views over Loch Leven and the

the country's finest gardens. The

Ochil Hills. In June, a trip to two walled

‘jewel in the crown’ is undoubtedly

gardens in Fife takes in the six acre garden at

Sissinghurst, created by Vita

Wemyss Castle and the Victorian garden of

highlights include the enchanting formal

Sackville-West and Harold Nicholson, which

Members are holding their own Plant Sale

garden at Barrington Court and the

tour leader Geoffrey White describes as “an

in the Courtyard, featuring a range of

exotic flowering trees and shrubs of

unending source of inspiration and as close to

plants from Benmore and Inverleith.

Minterne Gardens.

gardening perfection as you can get”. The

Cambo House near St Andrews. For more information about these trips contact the Membership Office, tel. 0131 552 5339.

Rhododendron seedlings from David

Diversity to ensure that all plants of world

connection to your own garden. Volunteers are needed for the Plant Sales, as are contributions of plants and home

preparing for the Plant Sale, with very

baking. Please contact Caroline Pearson

successful propagation and cuttings

(Edinburgh) tel. 0131 441 2328 or Sandy

workshops held in the Garden Nursery last

Smith (Benmore) tel. 01369 704 435.

workshop are now ready for sale and feature

Members’Auction: 8 April

among the varied collection:

Edinburgh Plant Sale: 16 May Benmore Plant Sale: 22 May

SPRING 2004

for this four-day tour promises 11

magnificent gardens, while still finding time

shrubs, trees, alpines, conservatory plants,

This year, for the first time, Benmore

varied programme also takes in the colourful modern borders of Merriments Gardens and

Ilford Manor and the three-acre

autumn to grow plants for the Sale. Seed-

14 T H E B O T A N I C S

In June, there is a wonderful opportunity to travel to the Bernese Oberland, where a

the romantic Italian Garden at

things on offer to bring a Benmore

Horticulturists Lucy Young and Ross Irvine re-potting cuttings for the Plant Sale in May.

T

he first tour, in May, will visit the

Knoll Gardens (above left), another highlight of the Wessex tour, was developed from a private botanic garden into an informal English garden. At Cranborne Manor Garden (above right), Members can admire an enclosed herb garden and a nursery garden featuring old and shrub roses.

Gardens of Wessex. The packed schedule

organising this year’s Sale,“as well as

required by the Convention on Biological

grown Meconopsis from the previous year’s

and the wild flowers of the Swiss mountains.

Sherborne Abbey.

Younger’s garden are among the special

Members have been busy all year

This summer, RBGE Members’ tours take in the delights of English Gardens

to Wells Cathedral and

of origin’ – proof of your plants ‘pedigree’ as

heritage value can be traced.

English country gardens to Swiss mountain meadows

New appointees to the National Membership Board. Four new faces represent the interests of Members on the National Board. They are, from left to right, Ray Perman, Gabrielle Reynolds, Alex Elder and Sandy Smith. Ray and Alex were appointed Ordinary Members of the Board at the AGM on 10 December 2003. Gabrielle was voted Convener of the Logan Regional Committee on 7 February this year, while Sandy Smith took up his place as Convener of the Benmore Committee on 19 February. THE BOTANICS

SPRING 2004

15