We can’t wait to revisit Five great Scottish botanic gardens

INVERNESS BOTANIC GARDENS

Change up your daily walk once lockdown is over by visiting a botanical garden or two. The Inverness Botanic Gardens is said to be the “hottest spot in the Highlands” with a Tropical

House that is warm enough all year round to accommodate the collection of plants native to Mexico, the Bahamas and northern Brazil, which flower throughout the year. Take a look at their selection of coffee, banana, ginger and pineapple plants. The Tropical House also features a waterfall leading into a pond filled with carp, surrounded by a variety of foreign plants including birds of paradise and orchids. Or, take a trip to their Cactus House, featuring a variety of cacti and succulents including agave and aloe vera, along with some familiar house plants and others native to the drier parts of the world.

Inverness Botanic Gardens, Bught Lane, Inverness IV3 5SS . Entry is free

ST ANDREWS BOTANIC GARDENS

Sitting just outside of the bustling town centre in St Andrews is their botanic garden, known globally for its important botanic collection. The garden was founded by the university in 1889 and since then has grown to a sizeable

18.5 acres. Not only does the garden aim to be a relaxing and enjoyable environment but also a scientific garden for teaching and research. The gardens also boast gardens within the gardens, including a Peace Garden – created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UN – and a

Rock Garden – one of the harshest environments on the planet. The garden also features a tea room serving teas, coffees and Jannettas ice cream.

St Andrews Botanic Garden, Canongate, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RT. Entry is £6 for adults, £5.50 concessions and students and under-18s go free.

GLASGOW BOTANIC GARDENS

Founded over 200 years ago, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens in the city’s west end have seen a lot of history. Arguably its most prominent feature is the Kibble Palace, a huge glasshouse designed by John Kibble which houses the garden’s national collection of tree ferns. The gardens also have several self led trails that visitors can follow. Glasgow Botanic Gardens, 730 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0UE.

Entry to the gardens is free.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh has a whopping 70 acres of grounds to explore, all just a mile away from the heart of the city. The garden’s ten glasshouses are home to over 3000 exotic species of plants from across the globe. The garden also offers visitors the chance to witness some incredible panoramic views of Edinburgh, including the castle. Other attractions that are worth checking out are the Rock Garden and the Pond. Visitors will leave the gardens with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the importance plants play in our lives and in our world.

The Royal Botanic Garden, 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR. Entry to the garden is free, glasshouse from £5.40 to £7.

DAWYCK BOTANIC GARDEN

Equally as impressive is Dawyck Botanic Garden, above, with 65 acres of greenery nestled in the hills of the Scottish Borders. The garden features plants from Europe, China, Nepal, Japan and North America.

The garden is renowned for its seasonal displays, with plants such as snowdrops, bluebells and blue poppies taking centre-stage at various points throughout the year. Some of the features of the garden include Heritage Trees, their Azaelea Terrace and their Heron Wood Reserve.

Stobo, near Peebles, Scottish Borders, EH45 9JU. Entry varies from £5.40 to £7.