The Hour

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh has been welcoming visitors since the 17th century. Over the years, it has gradually been extended into four gardens and become a city treasure.

This month, the traditional gardens have been given a modern twist with the opening of the John Hope Gateway building.

“We were founded in the 17th century, the second oldest botanic garden in Britain,” Alan from the Royal Botanic Gardens said.

“If we are going to welcome our visitors properly to the garden, we want to do so in the 21st century with a message that is all about how you can make a contribution conserving our planet – that is what all our work with plants is about.

“Why just have great gardens? Now we have a great welcome too,” Alan continues.

The energy efficient building does not take away from the main purpose of the gardens, as STV’s gardening expert Pete Jackson explains.

“What’s really interesting is that when you arrive at the Botanic with the new entrance, they haven’t lost what it’s all about – the planting.”

The gardens have some beautiful orchids and display them as they would grow in their natural habitat, a visual treat Pete is sure visitors will enjoy.

“No botanical garden would be complete without orchids. This is set up like their natural habitats.

“What I really love about the John Hope Gateway is that, over the next few months, it is going to attract more and more people to see the plants and that, for me, is what it is all about.”