Welcome
The Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens have a simple wish – that you enjoy the Gardens as much as we do.
You may be our next door neighbours or a visitor to Glasgow or live on the other side of the world – it matters not – please enjoy your time in the Gardens, whether in-person or online. We hope that this site will inspire you to visit the Gardens and give you all information you need.
Conservation
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is firstly a documented collection of plants for the purposes of conservation, education and research and is home to several national plant collections including dendrobium orchids, tree ferns and begonias.
Education
We aim to enhance the international educational value of botanic gardens world-wide and support educational activities and training programmes aimed at nature lovers of all ages and skill levels.
Public benefit
We believe the Botanic Gardens are a precious gift to be utilised and enjoyed by all. Friends groups play a vital role in safeguarding our greenspaces, ensuring they remain freely accessible for generations to come by shaping the management, funding and protection of these invaluable public assets.
Free Guided Tours
Free tours of the Botanic Gardens have started their 2026 season. View the Tours page for the current tour schedule.
Upcoming events
Certificate in Practical Horticulture
RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture at Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a 10-day course that will give you the fundamental practical skills of a horticulturist.
Latest News
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Magnificent Magnolia
Read more: Magnificent MagnoliaThe gardens are full of wonderful Magnolia blossoms just now. Magnolias are named in honour of the French botanist Pierre Magnol, professor of botany at Montpellier University in the late 17th century. He was the first person to suggest that plants with similar characters could be grouped together into families. Magnolias are native to China…
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Plant markers
Read more: Plant markersFor my university project, I was tasked with implementing type into a spatial environment. I chose to explore the Botanic Gardens and responded to the brief by creating a series of plant markers. I took inspiration from the history of the botanic gardens, specifically kibble palace, with its roots in Victorian Britain. I looked into…
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Peace garden poetry
Read more: Peace garden poetryStudents from North Kelvinside school wrote some beautiful poetry to celebrate the opening of our peace garden last summer. Thank you to all the young poets for their beautiful words and ideas. Peace poem by Lucian & Victoria When the Spring flowers bloom The calm wind blows The sun shines down and I find my…
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Birdsong and wildlife walk
Read more: Birdsong and wildlife walkAs we have come to expect, Alexandra delivered another brilliant tour! Even the weather was kind to us and although cold, it was a still, sunny morning when we set off at 09:30. Alexandra explained that we would be listening for three different types of song from the birds, a general song, a song communicating…