Wake up your senses with visit to magical treasure of our city
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER
SPRING is a magical time to visit Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
“It wakes up all the senses – emerging foliage is young and fresh, flower buds are starting to burst,” a spokesperson said.
“And there’s a real sense of anticipation in the air, as well as lovely fresh scents as everything is preparing to go ‘ready, steady, bloom!’”
Cambridge University Botanic Garden has launched its programme of events, which includes a special Easter trail for families and the launch of Science on Sundays, as well as seasonal highlights,
Seasonal garden highlights include cherry blossom. Enjoy clouds of blossom throughout the garden, including the stunning Yoshino cherry tree as it bursts into bloom on the main lawn.
Wander through the Tropics House in the Glasshouse Range to find the strikingly coloured jade vine and marvel at the vibrant colours of show-stopping magnolias by the Stream Garden.
Visitors can also enjoy displays of Fritillaria, Tulipa and Saxifraga on show in the Alpine House, Glasshouse Range.
So, what’s on this spring at Cambridge University Botanic Garden?
■The Lost Eggs
Butterfly has lost her eggs and needs your help to work out where she’s left them.
Between March 28 and April 14 pick up a free booklet on your way into the garden and visit the trail points to learn ‘egg-citing’ facts and discover clues to lead you to Butterfly’s missing eggs.
You might even be rewarded with an egg of your own at the end.
This trail is self-led and children must be accompanied at all times. Standard garden admission applies for adults.
■Family Saturdays Programme
Cambridge University Botanic Garden has plenty of fun plant and wildlife-themed crafts planned for its 2024 Family Saturdays Programme.
Cherry Blossom Collage will take place on April 6. The Botanic Garden is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms. Come along to make your own cherry blossom collage using paper and prints.
Leaf Boggarts will take place on May 4. Bring your imagination along to this session where you will make boggarts, pixies and all kinds of magical creatures out of sticks, clay and leaves.
These free activities take place on the first Saturday of each month between 10am and 1pm in the Schools Garden and are suitable for all ages three and over. Booking is required.
■Science on Sundays
From exploring herbarium uses to discovering the secrets of wildflowers and fungi, discover the fascinating world of plant science in just 30 minutes. Science on Sundays is a free, informal and monthly series of talks, sharing the latest discoveries in plant science and research with visitors.
Among the talks is The World Beneath a Wildflower Meadow by Dr Raphaella Hull, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, on April 21; and Uncovering the Microscopic World of Mycorrhizal Fungi by Dr Jen McGaley, Crop Sciences Centre, University of Cambridge, on May 19.
No booking is required. Normal garden entry fee applies. Suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over. Talks continue through the summer.
■International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition 2024
Enjoy exploring a selection of stunning, winning images from the 17th International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition (IGPOTY).
The exhibition, which runs until May 7, features a selection of photographs from across the competition’s main categories and highlights from the ‘Discovery in Cambridge University Botanic Garden’ competition, run in partnership with IGPOTY.
■Dyes from Plants
A brand-new trail in collaboration with the Garden’s Artist-in-Residence, Nabil Ali. Dyes from Plants introduces visitors to the plant material used to create dyes, inks and paints.
The trail will also provide planting inspiration for dye plants visitors can grow in their own gardens. This trail is for adults and will launch in May.
■Adult Learning Courses
Cambridge University Botanic Garden offers a wide range of workshops and courses, providing a perfect place to develop an understanding of plants, learn more about garden history or get creative. Courses this spring include: Growing Orchids: Theory and Practice on March 30. Learn about this fascinating plant family with Botanic Garden expert Luigi Leoni;
Beginners’ Garden Design between April 24 and June 5. Expert