Dundee Botanic Garden to celebrate the power of plants

Dundee Botanic Garden to celebrate the power of plants

The public are invited to discover the wonderful world of plants and the people who work with them at an upcoming event at the University of Dundee Botanic Garden.

‘Plant Power’ is an annual event that showcases the fascinating plants at the Garden and highlights exciting plant science work being done in Dundee.

This year, staff at the Garden have worked with the University’s School of Life Sciences and the James Hutton Institute to create an exciting new trail that celebrates the importance of plants in our everyday life.

The event is one of many that marks the Garden’s 50th anniversary year.

The self-guiding trail, launching Saturday 15 May, will take visitors on an adventure through nature and offers an opportunity to learn more about the plants on display. Information boards along the trail will lead visitors to a dedicated website with online interactive activities.

“Our stunning garden is much more than just a tourist attraction,” said Kevin Frediani, Curator of the Botanic Garden.

“Botanical gardens across the world play a huge role in aiding scientific research, and our new trail will show some of the work that goes on behind the scenes at Dundee.

"Plant science is more important than ever and we look forward to welcoming visitors to learn more about our talented scientists within the University and the Institute.”

Dr Jorunn Bos, a Principal Investigator in the Division of Plant Sciences and the James Hutton Institute, added, "We are looking forward to sharing our science with visitors to the Botanic Garden and online through our new science trail. Our scientists have created online interactive resources covering topics such as crop diversity, plant diseases, and pests, that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages."

Plant Power events are happening around the world as part of the Fascination of Plants Day 2021 on Tuesday 18 May.

The trail at the University of Dundee Botanic Garden will run from Saturday 15 May until Sunday 23 May. Free tickets are available to book via Eventbrite.

In October 2021, the Garden will celebrate its 50th anniversary. A number of events are planned throughout the year and will be updated on the Botanic Garden web page.