What’s onSummer 2019

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Discover a world of plants

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, founded in 1670, is a world-renowned centre for plant research, conservation and education. Its four remarkable Gardens–the ‘Botanics’ in Edinburgh, Benmore in Argyll, Logan in Galloway and Dawyck in the Borders grow more than 15,000 species between them, making this one of the richest plant collections in the world. Discover more about this fascinating world of plants through an exciting programme of exhibitions, interactive experiences, events and activities.

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Credit: Peter Cairns

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Highlights

Microsculpture: The Insect Portraits of Levon BissSat 29 June to Sunday 22 SeptemberThe beautiful, surprising, and often outright bizarre microscopic form of insects is presented in breath-taking clarity in this exhibition by British photographer, Levon Biss. Microsculpture shows specimens from the collection of the Museum of Natural History in Oxford like never before: in large-format and exquisitely-lit detail. Each picture is created from around 8,000 individual photographs and visitors can view the intricate shapes, colours and microsculpture of the creatures up close in the pin-sharp photographs, before stepping back to take in the beauty of the insect as a whole.

For more details see page 10.Cover image: Tricoloured Jewel Beetle © Levon Biss (from ‘Microsculpture’)

Below the BlanketWed 24 July to Sun 25 AugustThis summer from 24 July, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is delighted to be hosting ‘Below the Blanket’, a series of new artworks inspired by one of Scotland’s most extraordinary and unsung natural features, produced by renowned performance art house Cryptic.

Artists Kathy Hinde, Luci Holland, Hannah Imlach, Heather Lander, Matthew Olden and composer Malcolm Lindsay have produced work responding to the Flow Country’s wildlife and soundscape, the gradual process of peat formation, and even the way the blanket bog ‘breathes’ as it expands and contracts.

Visitors to the gardens will encounter artworks that are evocative, contemplative and beautiful – and will come away enlightened about this unique Scottish landscape.

Presented as part of The Peatland Partnership’s Flows to the Future Project

For more details, see page 16.

© Lorne Gill SNH

Plants and Gardens

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Daily Garden WalksDaily from 1 April to 31 October, 11:00 & 14:00 (1 hour) | ages 14+ | meet at John Hope Gateway reception | £6Celebrate the seasons and join our expert Garden Guides on a tour of the Garden. Discover seasonal highlights, hidden treasures and talks of the intrepid adventurers behind the plants on display.

Glasshouse VisitOpen daily from 10:00 (Closes 17:00) | *Adult £7.00, *Concession £6.00, Child (15 and under) free*includes a small donation for the Garden

A highlight of the Edinburgh Garden is our Glasshouse visit. Enjoy the Victorian Temperate Palm House, the tallest traditional Glasshouse in the UK, and see our 200-year-old palm tree in the Tropical Palm House. You can walk through 10 different climate zones, from steamy tropics to arid desert, and see over 3,000 exotic plants. Free to Friends of RBGE: to find out more see page 26.

Lichen Safari TrailAvailable from the John Hope Gateway and East Gate Lodge (Daily) | £1 per trail bookletPick up a Lichen Safari trail booklet and explore the hidden, tiny world of lichens at the Botanics. Find out how lichens play a vital role in our environment. There is so much more to these tiny organisms than meets the eye.

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Plants and Gardens

Meet the Edible Gardening TeamEvery Mon & Tue, 13:00–14:30 & every first Sat of the month, 14:00–16:00 (drop in) | all ages | Demonstration Garden | freePop in and look out for the team at work in the Garden. Take a walk around our productive garden with the Edible Gardening Project volunteers, find out what jobs need doing in your own garden this season and have your vegetable growing questions answered.Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery

Book Group (Open Book: Reading Together)Every Thu in June & September, Only 1, 8 and 29 August, 10:30–12:00 (drop in) | ages 16+ | Botanic Cottage | freeIf you love reading come to a book group with a difference, where stories and poems are read aloud and discussed over tea and coffee.Led by the charity Open Book.

Garden Social for DementiaFirst Fri of the month, 10:30–12:00 | ages 16+ | Botanic Cottage | drop in, no booking required for individuals/pairs, but for groups of more than three please contact community@rbge.org.uk or leave a message on 0131 248 2956 | freeFree sessions with refreshments. Activities inspired by the Garden for people affected by dementia. Numbers are limited; please arrive a little early to avoid disappointment. Email community@rbge.org.uk for more details or leave a message on 0131 248 2981.

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Plants and Gardens

Botanic Cottage Saturday Open AfternoonFirst Fri of the month, 13:30–14:30 & 15:00–16:00 (not in June), First Sat of the month, 14:00–16:00 (drop in) | all ages | Botanic Cottage | freeJoin a free drop in at the Botanic Cottage and discover how it was saved and rebuilt. Moved stone by stone across the city, exactly 250 years after it was first built, the Botanic Cottage has been reconstructed in its spiritual home. Once again returned to its original purpose as a place of learning and community, a hub for education and engagement activities in one of the world’s great gardens.

Cyrenians Community Cook ClubBi-monthly on Fri | June 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23, September 27, 10:30–13:30 (drop-in) | adults & families | Botanic Cottage | freeFree meeting of the Community Cook Club. Cyrenians run these clubs with staff and volunteers sourcing food from FareShare and supporting members of the Community to prepare and sit down to enjoy nutritious meals with good company. For more information, email foodeducation@cyrenians.scot.

Sponsor a treeFrom the exotic Chinese mountain ash to the majestic Scots pine, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and our Regional Gardens are home to a diverse collection of trees. You can sponsor a tree in our Garden, and become its guardian for 10 years – a special way to remember a loved one or celebrate a special event.

The price of tree sponsorship is £3,000.

To learn more, visit our website at celebratelife.rbge.org.uk, or contact us via phone (0131 248 2855) or email (celebratelife@rbge.org.uk).

Celebrate Life is a fundraising initiative for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and all purchases will help support the full spectrum of our charitable work, from managing and growing the Living Collection in our four Gardens to delivering hands-on horticultural education to inspire children about the natural world.

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Exhibitions

Food Forever: Biodiversity for ResilienceSat 6 April to Sun 9 June, 10:00–17:45 daily (drop in) | all ages | ground floor, John Hope Gateway | freeFeeding the world in the face of threats from climate change, pests and diseases depends on our ability to conserve crop genetic diversity and support indigenous communities who are their traditional guardians. A new travelling exhibition celebrates the role of agricultural biodiversity in building resilience in a changing world.

Green Gold: Plants from the Travels of John JeffreyUntil Sun 30 June, 10:00–17.45 (drop in) | all ages | Gateway Gallery, John Hope Gateway | freeAn exhibition celebrating the publication of Green Gold, a new book by Gabriel Hemery about the life of the plant hunter John Jeffrey. On display are six especially commissioned watercolour paintings by Nicola Macartney, featuring trees and flowering plants collected by Jeffrey in North America, along with material from our archive.

BISCOT: Botanical Images ScotiaWed 5 to Thu 20 June, 10:00–17:30 (drop in) | all ages | Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway | freeBISCOT is a showcase of top contemporary botanical art that returns to the Garden for the 15th year and will feature a display of new RBGE Florilegium paintings. The exhibition, which includes work from home and abroad, is the result of collaboration between RBGE and the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.

Illustration: Agathis australis, watercolour, Sharon Tingey.

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Exhibitions

Art in HealthcareFri 7 to Sun 16 June, 10:30–17:30 daily (drop in) | all ages | Inverleith House | freeDiscover more about the Art in Healthcare collection of art and its mission to humanise and transform medical and care environments across Scotland. Patrons Barbara Rae and Victoria Crowe exhibit alongside some of the many artists who support the work of the Scottish charity Art in Healthcare at this fundraising exhibition.

The exhibition is part of the Connect with Nature Festival, 7–16 June. For more information on the full programme please see pages 12–15.

Weird PlantsSat 15 June to Sun 1 September, 10:00–17:45 (drop in) | all ages | ground floor, John Hope Gateway | freeIn this exhibition of paintings by Chris Thorogood, from his book of the same name, Chris reveals the weird, the wonky, and the sinister specimens he has encountered during his travels in the wide world of plants. From orchids that duplicitously look, feel and even smell like a female insect to carnivorous plants that drug, drown, and consume unsuspecting insect prey, Weird Plants takes us deep inside the worlds of plants whose imaginative and calculating survival methods are startlingly reminiscent of human schemes.

Celebrating Our OaksThu 20 June to Mon 26 August, 10:00–17:45 (drop in) | all ages | Fossil Courtyard | freeThis outdoor photography exhibition showcases 20 stunning images by the competition finalists and a number of celebrities, including Joanna Lumley and Alan Titchmarsh, with a passion for oak trees from throughout the UK. This photography exhibition launched by Action Oak – a major campaign to protect the UK’s oak trees – in partnership with the International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY).

Image: Chris Thorogood (Weird Plants)

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Exhibitions

Microsculpture: The Insect Portraits of Levon BissSat 29 June to Sun 22 September, 10:30–17:30 daily (drop in) | all ages | Inverleith House | freeThe beautiful, surprising, and often outright bizarre microscopic form of insects is presented in breath-taking clarity in this exhibition by British photographer, Levon Biss. Microsculpture shows specimens from the collection of the Museum of Natural History in Oxford like never before, in large-format and exquisitely lit detail. Combining art with science, the exhibition also provides information about each creature, where possible discussing the evolutionary adaptations that have given rise to its particular microsculpture form.

Origins of LoganThu 4 to Sun 28 July, 10:00–17:45 (drop in) | all ages | Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway | freeA selection of historical images from the McDouall Collection, recording the transformation of Logan Botanic Garden from an old-fashioned walled garden to the exotic splendour it is today. The photographs were taken by the McDouall family, formerly of Logan House, and have been made available courtesy of Martin Henderson.

Image: Orchid Cuckoo Bee (c) Levon Biss

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June

Art Explorers: Weird PlantsSun 2 June, 13:00–16:00 (drop-in) | all ages | Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway | £3Join us for an afternoon of creative fun. Inspired by the Weird Plants exhibition, create marvellous mechanical plants using colourful up-cycled materials.With Greengage Arts

Poetry Reading in the CottageSun 2 June, 15:00–17:00 | all ages | Botanic Cottage | £12, £10 Members, including refreshments | book via www.rbge.org.uk/poetry or call the Membership Office on 0131 552 5339Join us in the historic Professor’s Room in the Botanic Cottage to enjoy an afternoon of poetry reading inspired by nature from award-winning and widely published poets.Organised by the Friends of RBGE

American Eden: How Edinburgh inspired the first public botanic garden in the US Tue 18 June, 19:00–20:30 | all ages | Lecture Theatre, 20a Inverleith Row | £7, £5 Members | book via www.rbge.org.uk/americaneden or call the Membership Office on 0131 552 5339This illustrated lecture by historian Victoria Johnson features her new book, American Eden, which explores the remarkable life of American physician and botanist, Dr David Hosack (1769–1835). The young American student of Scottish descent arrived in Scotland to study medicine in Edinburgh in 1792, and was introduced to botany by his medical professors here. This experience ended up changing the course not only of American botany but also the shape of New York City.Organised by the Friends of RBGE

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Connect with Nature Festival 7–16 JuneOur second Connect with Nature Festival will explore the relationships connecting nature, creativity and health. Creativity, in all its forms – art, literature, music, performance, craft or cooking – plays an important role in helping people connect with nature, with positive effects on our health and wellbeing. Further details on the full 10-day festival programme can be found below.In partnership with Art in Healthcare, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, The City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Book Trust

n Connect with Nature Conference

Fri 7 June, 10:00–16:15 | age 16+ | Lecture Theatre, 20a Inverleith Row | £25 (£12 concession) | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureA conference for practitioners and partners in the fields of creative arts, nature and health. In collaboration with Art in Healthcare, it will explore the relationships between creativity, nature and health. It features talks from the medical world, research and local projects with workshops to demonstrate the positive impact of creative engagement in nature on our health and wellbeing. Price includes lunch.

Nature and Health Writing Weekend 8 & 9 Junen Vivian French: Caterpillar, Butterfly and Yucky Worms

Sat 8 June, 11:00–12:00 | ages 4–7 | Inverleith House Basement | £3 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureWhat can you see in a garden? Butterflies and flowers! But what can’t you see? Worms ... the magical underground farmers, who help the flowers grow. Come and hear author Vivian French tell you all about the secret life of a garden, and draw some wriggly worms, creeping caterpillars and fluttery butterflies!

June

n Katharine Norbury: In Search of the Well at the World’s End: walking and healing in The Fish LadderSat 8 June, 13:00–14:00 | age 16+ | Botanic Cottage Professor’s Room | £5 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureKatharine Norbury explores the relationship between personal narrative and the narrative of place in her memoir, The Fish Ladder, which blends Celtic mythology, poetry and travelogue with her own fragmented family history. Katharine follows in the footsteps of the Scottish writer Neil M. Gunn and echoes Gunn’s own search for ‘the well at the world’s end’.

n Ian Stephen: WaypointsSat 8 June, 14:30–15:30 | age 16+ | Botanic Cottage Professor’s Room | £5 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureWaypoints is the title of Ian Stephen’s study of navigating through both the geography and the stories of Scotland’s west coast. The book, shortlisted for the 2017 Saltire non-fiction award, combines, memoire, travelogue, poetry and a discussion on the forms found for stories. Join the author as he gives examples of both written and spoken responses to voyages.

n Annemarie Allan: Celebrating the Sea, A Creative Writing WorkshopSat 8 June, 15:00–16:00 | ages 8–12 | Inverleith House Basement | £3 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureCelebrate World Oceans Day by joining author Annemarie Allan on an exploration of the rich and varied life of the Firth of Forth, part of Scotland’s incredible 18,000 km of coastline. Bring plenty of enthusiasm and imagination.

n Marjorie Lotfi Gill: RefugeSat 8 June, 16:00–17:00 | age 16+ | Botanic Cottage Professor’s Room | £5 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureMarjorie Lotfi Gill’s poems have won competitions, been published widely and performed on BBC Radio 4. Come and hear readings from Refuge, poems about her childhood in revolutionary Iran and from other works. She will talk about how the natural world anchors us to home and gives us a sense of belonging.www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on 13

June

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Connect with Nature

n Sarah Jane Douglas: Just Another Mountain

Sun 9 June, 11:00–12:00 | age 16+ | Botanic Cottage Professor’s Room | £5 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureA talk about how mountains, hills and nature have shaped the life and work of an author, artist and single-mum. Sarah Jane Douglas’s love of mountains has provided her not just with challenges but with respite and with the resources needed to help deal with the trials and mysteries of life. Diagnosed with breast-cancer, hill and mountain walking allowed Sarah to approach her condition as just another mountain. In discussion with editor, Simon Spanton.

n Gregory Kenicer: Scottish Plant Lore, An Iluustrated Talk and Walk

Sun 9 June, 12:00–13:00 | age 16+ | Botanic Cottage Garden Room | £5 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureTake a walk through the Botanics’ wonderful native plant collections and explore the many pragmatic, weird and wonderful uses humans have had for our intriguing flora. With Gregory Kenicer, RBGE botanist and author of Scottish Plant Lore: An Illustrated Flora.

n Debi Gliori: Where Do You Get Your Ideas From?

Sun 9 June, 13:00–14:00 | age 16+ | Botanic Cottage Professor’s Room | £5 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureInspired by the natural world, the majority of Debi Gliori’s picture books had their beginning as the author/illustrator walked in some of the many landscapes and ecosystems of Scotland. From the Hebrides to Argyll via East Lothian and the Highlands, she has always taken photographs and employed sketchbooks as part of her creative process. In this informal talk, Debi will show some of the background sketches and photos that have been the seedbed for several of her bestselling books.

Illustration: Red clover by Marie Barbour, watercolour (contemporary).

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Connect with Nature

n Debi Gliori: For Little Bunnies with Big ImaginationsSun 9 June, 15:00–16:00 | ages 0–4 | Inverleith House Basement | £3 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureMeet author-illustrator Debi Gliori and join in as she reads from her beloved ‘Alfie’ books for very young children. Pretend to be an Alfie-owl, a swarm of Alfie-bees, an Alfie-tree or even an Alfie-bear. And after all that excitement, make bunny masks to take home.

n Gavin Francis: The Changing Landscapes of the Human BodySun 9 June, 14:30–15:30 | age 16+ | Botanic Cottage Professor’s Room | £5 | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureGavin Francis is a GP and a writer, and his books encompass travel (True North, Empire Antarctica) and medicine (Adventures in Human Being, Shapeshifters). Join us for an illustrated talk to explore landscapes of the body, how minds and bodies change, and how the inevitability of change offers hope.

n Literacy, Nature and The Lost Words: Workshop by The John Muir TrustWed 12 June, 16:00–18:30 | Botanic Cottage | book at www.rbge.org.uk/connectwithnatureExperience activities that help develop literacy skills in the outdoors. Using the Explorer’s Guide to The Lost Words, enjoy a trail through the Gardens. The session will showcase use of The Lost Words and associated resources in schools, community and youth groups.Supported by Education Scotland, Scottish Book Trust and City of Edinburgh Council

n Communities Growing HealthSun 16 June, 12:30–16:30 (drop in) | all ages | Botanic Cottage and Demonstration Garden | freeCommunity groups will be on hand to show how their creative activities in the Garden contribute to greater health and wellbeing. Join us for some of that feel-good factor with cooking, art work, gardening and more.Supported by Players of People’s Postcode Lottery

*end of Connect with Nature Festival programme of events

July

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Art Explorers: A Garden That MovesSun 7 July, 13:00–16:00 (drop-in) | all ages | Botanic Cottage | £3Join us for an afternoon of creative fun and be inspired to make your own work of art. Come along and learn how to create a simple sculpture inspired by the Garden in summer with bees, butterflies and birds that move. We will use up-cycled materials.With Greengage Arts

Below the BlanketWed 24 July to Sun 25 August (except Tue) 19:00–21:00 | all ages | entry via East Gate (Inverleith Row) | tickets £8–£14 from cryptic.org.uk/below-the-blanketMarking 25 years of ‘ravishing the senses’, Cryptic presents Below the Blanket, a series of new artworks installed at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and inspired by one of Scotland’s most extraordinary natural features, the Flow Country. Artists Kathy Hinde, Lucy Holland, Hannah Imlach, Heather Lander, Matthew Olden and composer Malcolm Lindsay have produced unique responses to this stimulating setting, drawing inspiration from the Flow Country’s wildlife and soundscape, the gradual process of peat formation, and even the way the blanket bog ‘breathes’ as it expands and contracts. Their artworks are evocative, eerie and beautiful – and will enlighten visitors about this unsung feature of the Scottish landscape.Presented as part of The Peatland Partnership’s Flows to the Future Project

Open Gardens in TrinitySat 27 July, 10:30–12:30 (drop-in) | all ages | 9 Russell Place & 3 Lennox Row | £5 including tea/coffeeEnjoy visiting two private gardens in Edinburgh: a plantswoman’s garden with a large variety of unusual plants and a beautiful mature garden filled with brightly coloured and perfumed herbaceous borders with a speciality in dahlias.Organised by the Friends of RBGE

Image: Heather Lander

August

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Valentina’s GalaxySat 3 to Sun 18 August (except Mon), 11:00 & 14:00 on Tue, Wed & Thu | 10:30, 12:30 & 14:30 on Fri, Sat & Sun (50mins) | age 2–6 years | Fletcher Building | £8 | book at www.edfringe.comAn intergalactic adventure for starry-eyed 2–6 year-olds. Inspired by women in space, this immersive performance captivates children and adults alike with a combustible concoction of experiments, rocket launches and stargazing. From the creators of Paperbelle and Too Many Penguins?

Art Explorers: Weave a WonderSun 4 August, 13:00–16:00 (drop-in) | all ages | Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway | £3Weave a beautiful picture to show the beauty of Blanket Bogs using natural and up-cycled materials.With Greengage Arts

The Luna CinemaFri 30 Aug to Sun 1 September | Gates open 18:45; Film starts at 20:15 | £15.50 adult, £10.50 child (age 3–15), £28 premium, plus transaction fees. Book in advance at www.thelunacinema.com or call 0844 858 6767.

Enjoy three nights of cinema under the stars in the stunning setting of the Garden.

n Fri 30 August – A Star is Born (15). A musician helps a young singer find fame as his age and alcoholism send him into a downward spiral. Starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

n Sat 31 August – Bohemian Rhapsody (12A). Oscar winner Rami Malek plays Freddie Mercury in this film about the story of the legendary rock band Queen and its famous frontman.

n Sun 1 September – Sunshine on Leith (PG). This film about two soldiers returning home to resume their romantic and family lives features some of The Proclaimers best known songs.

September

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Art Explorers: Weird PlantsSun 1 September, 13:00–16:00 (drop-in) | all ages | Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway | £3Join us for an afternoon of creative fun. Inspired by the Weird Plants exhibition, create your very own weird plant monster collage or sculpture using natural and upcycled materials.With Greengage Arts

Seaweed for Health 2019Sat 7 & Sun 8 September, 10:30–17:00 (drop-in) | all ages | Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway | freeCelebrate the development of the nutritious food seaweed and discover its potential for health and culinary enjoyment. The event includes talks by healthcare practitioners, seaweed foragers, producers and product manufacturers from Britain and beyond.With the Seaweed Health Foundation.

Harvest FestivalSun 15 Sept, 13:00–16:30 (drop-in) | all ages | Demonstration Garden | freeOur annual Harvest Festival is a celebration of the vegetable growing year. Join us for fun activities, gardening advice, information about harvesting, cooking and storing crops, tasters, music and more. Be inspired to get growing with our Community Garden produce show and discover the delights of growing your own vegetables with the Edible Gardening Project team.Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery

AprilSeptember

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Ethnobotany: Plants, People and NatureSun 15 Sep, 14:00 | Lecture Theatre, 20a Inverleith Row | free | book at rbge.org.ukDiscover plants in a new light by seeing them as lifesaving medicines, trade commodities, and wisdom from the ancestors. A trio of ethnobotanists will reveal stories of cultural sanctuaries, valuable orchids, medicinal plants from fieldwork in Tibet, Bhutan, Anatolia, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean.

Harvest Cookery Masterclass with Edinburgh School of Food and WineWed 18 Sep, 11:00 & 13:30 | all ages | Botanic Cottage | £18, £15 Members | booking essential at www.rbge.org.uk/cookerymasterclass or call the Membership Office on 0131 552 5339 | max 20 places available on each sessionEnjoy a guided tour of the RBGE Edible Gardening Project followed by a cookery demonstration using the Garden’s produce.Organised by the Friends of RBGE

Explorathon ’19Fri 27 September, 12:00–16:00 (drop-in) | all ages | Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway | freeExplorathon is an annual showcase of science engagement that happens across Europe. Drop in for hands-on activities provided by the Garden and a variety of research organisations based in Edinburgh. Check the website for more details.

Doors Open DaySat 28 September, 13:00–16:00 | age 14+ | Herbarium and Library Building, 20a Inverleith Row | sign up on the door | freeDoors Open Day is a chance to see inside the Library and Herbarium, which houses internationally important collections of literature, images and preserved specimens vital to the scientific work of the Garden.With the Cockburn Association.

Dawyck Botanic Garden

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Spring Bring and Buy Plant SaleSun 2 June, 10:00–15:00 | free entryIf you are looking for new plants for your garden, then head along to the Spring Plant Sale and see a range of interesting and unusual plants from local gardens. The sale is being organised by The Friends of Dawyck. Donations of plants will be welcome. They don’t need to be potted, but please label them if you can. After purchasing plants, why not enjoy a walk around the Garden and see the seasonal highlights?

Sensory Tour of the GardenSat 15 June, 13:30 | free with Garden admission | Book on 01721 760254This bespoke guided walk is for visually impaired visitors, but open to everyone. Learn about the history of the Garden, its plant collections and seasonal delights while our guide takes you through our network of accessible paths.

Early Morning YogaSun 23 June, 07:30 | £20, Booking essential at www.rbge.org.uk/dawyckyoga or call 0131 552 5339Come and enjoy early morning yoga in the stunning and peaceful setting of the Garden. This event is suited to those with some yoga experience. Please bring a yoga mat. The session will be followed by an energising breakfast in the café.

Wild Tree AdventuresSat 13 July, 10:00–15:45 | Age 6+ | £25 | book via wildtreeadventures/ticketsWant the chance to scale a tree like a true arboriculturist? Sign up for the tree climbing event being held by Wild Tree Adventures. You will get the chance to climb up to 22 metres high on Dawyck’s 184-year-old Douglas Fir.

Plants from the Woods and Forests of ChileUntil Sun 28 July, from 10:00 daily | The Studio | freeDon’t miss this exhibition of specially commissioned unique watercolour paintings showcasing the remarkable beauty and diversity of plants native to Chile.

Art Exhibition: A New DirectionSun 4 August to Sat 30 November, from 10:00 daily | The Studio | freeA professional artist for over 20 years, Tina Holley is known for her realistic watercolours. Her exhibition at Dawyck will draw on her fascination with the effect of light on the landscape and the celebration of trees in all their different guises through the seasons.

Pop-Up Event: Listening to the Stories Lichens TellSat 24 August, 11:00–15:00 (drop in) | walk at 14:00 | free with Garden admission | all agesMeet lichenologist Dr Rebecca Yahr to find out about RBGE’s work with lichens, and why our research is so important. Join Dr Yahr on a guided walk and seek out some of Dawyck’s amazing lichens.

Dawyck Botanic Garden

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Education

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Short CoursesAre you a budding botanist or an aspiring artist? Do you want to create a beautiful garden or the perfect photograph? Whether you’re interested in plant science, art, gardening or health and wellbeing we have some wonderful and exciting courses coming up this year. We run weekly classes and weekend workshops, beginners to advanced, we aim to provide something for all.

The new 2019/20 programme is available to view online: www.rbge.org.uk/shortcourses

Professional CoursesFor those that wish to take their studies further and gain a qualification we have a fantastic range of professional courses including certificates, diplomas and BSc & MSc degrees. As well as courses that run at RBG,E we are also have a range of blended/distance learning courses allowing you to study with us from wherever you are.

www.rbge.org.uk/professionalcourses

Schools and Teacher CPDWe offer a hig- level curriculum focussed schools programme for primary and secondary schools, as well as bespoke CPD training for teachers. Our programme offers unique adventures from rainforest to teddy bears picnics and is a wonderful way to bring the subjects alive. See www.rbge.org.uk/schools

Education

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Summer School Coursesn Introduction to Botanical Art Mon 8 to Fri 12 July | 10:00–16:00 | £200/£180This intensive course is aimed at anyone new to botanical painting. Price includes lunch. Taught by Nicola Adams.n An Introduction to Botanical PhotographySat 13 July | 10:00–16:00 | £50/£45This one-day workshop presents a brief history of botanical photography. We will explore the various techniques and creative possibilities for photographing the summer plants around us. Taught by Stephen Whitehorne.n Capturing LightSat 20 to Sun 21 July | 10:00–16:00 | £100/£90A painting workshop offering an opportunity to explore and draw the landscape, plants, trees and flowers in the gardens, with a focus on the quality of light inherent within these summer blooms and vistas. Taught by Helen Jackson.n Expressive Watercolour Landscape Summer SchoolMon 29 July to Fri 2 August | 10:00–16:00 | £200/£180Join David Forster for a week of landscape painting in the splendid setting of the Gardens. Price includes lunch.n Seaweed ForayTue 6 August | 11:00–14:00 | £30/£27Join Dr Gregory Kenicer for a chance to get your feet wet and hands on with an up-close look at seaweeds on this field trip to North Berwick. Students must make their own way to/from the site.n Creative DrawingSat 10 August | 10:00–16:00 | £60/£54Explore the world of creative drawing, come and experiment with different mark-making and drawing techniques inspired by the shapes and textures found in the plant world. Taught by Jasmine Holt.

Credit: Brenda White

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Food and drink

Come and enjoy the summer season at the Botanics. We have a tempting seasonal menu with delicious options for everyone. All locations are open daily all year round from 10:00.

The Terrace CaféThe Terrace Café located in the heart of the Edinburgh Garden, complete with stunning views across the Edinburgh skyline has been completely transformed. Why not visit for our informal service and a broad range of speciality coffees, teas, home bakes, soups, light snacks, salads and freshly prepared hot dishes, all served within a fresh and vibrant interior.

The Gateway RestaurantEnjoy this delightful space for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with a beautiful outlook onto the Garden. You’ll find an array of freshly prepared hot dishes and lighter options, many including produce grown right here in the Garden.

To book a table, please call 0131 552 2674, email info@atthebotanics.co.uk or visit the restaurant website www.atthebotanics.co.uk. Booking, though not essential, is advised.

East Gate Coffee BarA great refreshment stop near the Garden’s East Gate, where you can find a selection of snacks, sandwiches and speciality teas and coffees for take away.

Your Event at the GardenThe Garden is the perfect location for holding your special event and has some delightful venues for Weddings and other private or family occasions. Please contact our Sales Team for more information: 0131 552 1974 or sales@gatewayrestaurant.net

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Shopping

Come and enjoy the summer season at the Botanics. While you are here, why not pay the Botanics Shop a visit? Whether you are looking for a special gift or a treat for yourself there is a wide selection of Garden-inspired gifts on offer, ranging from exclusive homeware, jewellery, accessories and stationery to specialist books and children’s gifts.

This season we have a wonderful selection of products designed exclusively for RBGE, including a new range of fern-inspired products for the home, illustrated with stunning images from the archives, as well as t-shirts and jewellery.

If you are looking for unusual plants, seeds or bulbs, quality tools, planters or accessories for the garden then do visit our Garden shop. Our plants are carefully sourced from many local growers with an emphasis on quality. This summer we are launching our own exclusive range of small Botanics planters to complement our beautiful plant selection. Our knowledgeable staff are also on hand to assist with your gardening questions.

The Botanics Shop is located at the John Hope Gateway West Gate entrance and is open daily in line with Garden opening times.

Become an RBGE Member and enjoy a discount at the shop (some exclusions apply).

Every purchase supports the important work of the Garden.

Christmas

Christmas at the BotanicsFri 22 Nov – Sun 29 Dec | tickets from £17 adult, (£16 RBGE adult member) £11 children (excluding transaction fees) | book in advance at www.rbge.org.uk/christmas

It may be summer but it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas as tickets for our spectacular light trail go on sale from 7 June. Our 2019 winter trail returns with over a million twinkling lights and plenty of new things to see.

A highlight of this year’s trail is a mesmerising new laser garden which leads you on a path towards neon spiral trees. There are hidden surprises too – watch out for shards of light, frosty snowflakes and stars and baubles – where you least expect to see them.

Amid all the festive fun don’t forget to glimpse Santa and his elves along the way. Surround yourself with sparkle as you walk beneath a towering canopy of light and stop at the scented Fire Garden for a moment of tranquil reflection.

In the distance spot the waterside reflections made by the flotilla of hundreds of glowing boats, gently bobbing on the shimmering surface. This year’s festive trail culminates in a spectacular Festive Finale on Inverleith House Lawn. You will also be able to enjoy the festive food and drink on the trail. Brought to you by Sony Music in association with Culture Creative.

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The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a charity registered in Scotland (number SC007983).

and help the Garden grow

Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh as a Friend and help us to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future

For more information call uson 0131 552 5339 or visit www.rbge.org.uk/membership

Arboretum Place or Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LRGarden admission is free. Charges for Glasshouses: Adult £7, Concessions £6, under 16s free*. Open 10:00 to 18:00 Tel 0131 552 7171 | www.rbge.org.uk

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How to Find Us

Printed by Barr Printers Ltd (CM 05/19).All information correct at time of going to press, for further information check our website.The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored and supported through Grant-in-Aid by the Scottish Government’s Environment and Forestry Directorate (ENFOR). The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a Charity registered in Scotland (number SC007983).

Dunoon, Argyll, PA23 8QUAdmission: Adult £7, Concessions £6, under 16s free*. Open 10:00 to 18:00 Tel 01369 706261 | www.rbge.org.uk/benmore

Port Logan, Dumfries & Galloway, DG9 9NDAdmission: Adult £7, Concessions £6, under 16s free*. Oct Open from 10:00 to 17:00.Tel 01776 860231 | www.rbge.org.uk/logan

*Prices include a small donation to the Garden.

Stobo, near Peebles, Scottish Borders, EH45 9JUAdmission: Adult £7, Concessions £6, under 16s free*. Open 10:00 to 18:00Tel 01721 760254 | www.rbge.org.uk/dawyck