University of Dundee Botanic Garden

Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD2 1QH

The garden was opened in 1971 to teach botany at Dundee University but has expanded over the years into a significant visitor attraction for the city of Dundee. As well as being a beautiful place to visit, the garden is dedicated to its mission of informing people about the importance of plants to human existence. Here, people can learn about plant adaptation and evolution, plant and habitat conservation, how food is obtained from plants, and many other benefits from the plant kingdom.

The garden is laid out geographically, taking visitors on a world tour from the Mediterranean through the Americas and Australasia to the Himalayas, China and Japan. South African plants and plants from tropical Africa can be seen in and around the glasshouses.

Uniquely, there is a large Scottish native plants area where visitors can walk from the glens to the sea, stopping by the great Caledonian Forest on the way. The tree collection, especially, has been described as world-class, and the glasshouses display rainforest and desert habitats, as well as many economic plants. The giant Victoria waterlily is a dramatic feature of the glasshouse pond.

The magnificent drystane walls of the Garden of Evolution are also to be enjoyed while learning about the evolution of plant life. The associated Genetics Garden introduces plant genetics and crop improvement projects. There is also a herb garden and two large ponds.

In July and August this year, visitors can celebrate the return of the Open Golf Championship to Carnoustie by testing their putting skills at the garden’s new six-hole putting green. There is a children’s log-play area, and kids will enjoy exploring the willow arch or spotting terrapins in the pond. The garden also has a thriving coffee shop and plenty of free parking.

Website: www.dundee.ac.uk/botanic

Telephone: 01382 381190

Opening times:

10.00am to 4.30pm (April to October); 10.00am to 3.30pm (November to March)

1st July to 31st August late opening until 8.30 pm (except Fridays)

Admission costs:

Adult £3.90; Concessions £2.90; Family (2 adults and 2 children) £10.00; Under 5s Free

1st July to 31st August free entry every day to under 18s and free entry to everyone on Saturdays

Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org