Rare Beauties in Secret Gardens Part 1 by Ms Jean Tsai

Hidden Botanical Gems Around the World – Part 1

The recent 8th Global Botanic Gardens Congress (8GBGC) held in Singapore has opened up a whole new world to those interested in horticulture. The event was jointly organised by the Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). This was the first time the Congress was held in Southeast Asia – a region that is home to over 100 botanical organisations, including botanic gardens, arboreta (plots of land on which different plants are grown for study or display) and other NGOs, and is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. In fact, Southeast Asia houses approximately 20-25% of the world’s plant and animal species.

The Congress’ theme was “Botanic Gardens – People and Plants for a Sustainable Future”. In the face of pressing challenges like global biodiversity loss and climate change, the Congress underscored how botanic gardens play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future for humanity and the environment. The Congress saw the participation of some of the world’s most prominent gardens and wonderful, rare plants were featured. It was a great incentive for seasoned travellers who appreciate the subtler charms of horticulture as they got to know some of the lesser-known gardens around the world.

Even when one travels during the colder months, some gardens, especially those with conservatories and lots of glasshouses, offer opportunities to witness rare and unusual plants in bloom – away from the bustling crowds of peak tourist seasons. Let us now take a look at some of the hidden botanical gems around the world where you can experience the beauty of rare flowers and trees, even during the winter season.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh, USA

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are renowned for its stunning seasonal displays and innovative green building practices. Visiting in November and December offers a chance to see their renowned winter exhibits and a variety of rare plants in a warm, tropical setting.

Highlights:

Seasonal Flower Shows: The recent Winter Flower Show featured a dazzling array of holiday- themed floral displays. There was the Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.), known for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in vibrant colors like red, pink and white.

The conservatory also cultivates and sells countless blossoms like Polemonium reptans, Jacob’s ladder, Dicentra eximia, fringed bleeding-heart, etc.

Phipps Conservatory provides a warm, immersive botanical experience during the winter months. It is perfect for escaping the cold and enjoying a vibrant display of flora.

Kew Gardens, Wakehurst Place, England

Located in Wakehurst Place, West Sussex, Kew Gardens is part of the Royal Botanic Gardens but is less frequented than its London counterpart even as it offers an exceptional winter garden experience. November and December are ideal for exploring the estate’s diverse and often rare plant collections.

Highlights:

The Water Gardens: During the months of November and December, you can see the Nymphaea (Water Lily) in its winter phase, where the plants are dormant but still showcase interesting textures and forms.

The Winter Garden: This area features plants that provide winter interest, such as the Hamamelis (Witch Hazel), which produces bright yellow, orange or red flowers that contrast beautifully with the winter landscape.

The Millennium Seed Bank: This facility, while not a garden, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation of rare plant seeds, including those from endangered species like the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis).

Wakehurst Place combines the beauty of seasonal gardens with the intrigue of botanical conservation, making it a sophisticated choice for winter botanical exploration.

Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna, Austria

The Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna is a hidden treasure in the heart of Austria. It is known for its historical significance and diverse plant collections. November and December provide a unique opportunity to explore the garden’s winter offerings and unusual indoor collections.

Highlights:

The Palm House: This historical glasshouse features rare palms such as the Corypha umbraculifera (Banded Palm), which has a dramatic appearance with its large, fan-shaped leaves.

The Alpine Garden: During November and December, the Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) is not in bloom, but can be seen in its dormant state, highlighting the resilience and beauty of alpine flora.

The Medicinal Plant Collection: This collection includes rare plants like the Artemisia absinthium (Wormwood), which is used in traditional medicine and is known for its aromatic properties.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna offers a sophisticated blend of historical and rare plants, providing a serene and educational winter visit.

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden is a celebrated destination for botanical enthusiasts, with its winter gardens and diverse collections offering unique winter experiences. November and December are excellent months to explore the garden’s indoor and outdoor offerings.

Highlights:

The Chinese Hillside: This features winter-blooming plants such as the Daphne bholua (Himalayan Daphne), which produces fragrant pink flowers during the colder months. The Alpine House: The Alpine House displays rare alpine plants like the Androsace species, which thrive in cooler temperatures and showcase intricate, hardy flowers.

The Glasshouses: These have rare species like the Cattleya Orchids, known for their stunning, colourful blooms that provide a warm contrast to the winter weather outside.

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh offers a sophisticated and diverse range of plant collections that are especially captivating during the winter season. Scotland’s cool, damp summers and relatively mild winters mean it is ideal for the growth of the stunning blue Himalayan poppy, Meconopsis baileyi – look out for news of when they are in bloom!!! PRIME