After closing their iconic Palm Houses back in 2021, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are welcoming guests back post a 5 year restoration plan.
This restoration was a part of a bigger scheme known as the Edinburgh Biomes Project, a reformative project set to safeguard and aid the health of over 13,500 plants while also funding meaningful research and the garden’s new Energy Centre. This project also aimed to maintain the well known visitors facilities, all adding to what was described as “the most visionary and exciting project of the Garden’s 355-year history”
The work done on the 200-year old Palm Houses ensures the health of over 600 plants- including endangered species, that had been temporarily rehomed during the restoration process. Although the official opening is today, members had the opportunity to visit earlier in September. Continuing their efforts, over 1,000 ladybirds have been introduced to protect the vulnerable plants from insect foe.
With the excitement from Edinburgh locals, and the anticipation from staff- the
Director of Horticulture for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, David Knott, shared this statement:
“The reopening of our iconic Palm Houses after five years of extensive restoration work marks an important milestone for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – and for Scotland. Opened in the 19th century, our historic Palm Houses are an important part of Scotland’s architectural and horticultural heritage, providing a safe haven for around 600 plants from around the world. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back and sharing stories of the global conservation science taking place at the Garden and the beauty and diversity of our Living Collection.”
Popular Edinburgh artist Eve Tong, known for their traveling vending machine with custom prints, is also collaborating with the Royal Botanics. For the month of October, their vending machine will be supplying prints themed around the Botanics. Allowing visitors to take home a piece of their own from the Palm Houses.
Presale for admission tickets were available 48 hours before, allowing eager members to have a sneak peak. Alongside the excitement of the opening, a new visitor experience will also be unveiled, further building the elation of locals.
