BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS & GLASSHOUSES
Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses are laid out in fifteen acres of glorious landscaped grounds, tucked away in a peaceful corner of leafy Edgbaston, close to the city centre. The Gardens are home to over 7000 trees, plants and shrubs, with some rare species and one of the finest collections in the Midlands
THE GLASSHOUSES
Four glasshouses take the visitor on a journey through different climates from the tropical rainforest, with its steamy heat, 24-foot lily pond and exotic plants, to the palms, tree ferns and orchids of the Sub-Tropical House. The visitor then experiences the lush colours and fragrances of citrus fruits and conservatory plants in the Mediterranean House and finally travels through to the hot dry desert conditions of the Arid House with its stunning collection of cacti.
THE GARDENS
There are themed Gardens for Herbaceous plants, Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Alpines, as well as the Pinetum, Rock Pool and Woodland Walk. The four-flight Lawn Aviary in the Rose Garden provides a dramatic focus across the Main Lawn and houses beautiful birds from various continents. The Japanese Garden is also home to the stunning National Bonsai Collection. The Story of Horticulture area demonstrates the fascinating journey that plants have made from the wild into cultivation by Man. There is also colourful bedding on the Loudon Terrace as well as the Cottage Garden and historic gardens.
OPEN AIR ENTERTAINMENT
Throughout the summer there is live music from the Victorian Bandstand every Sunday afternoon and Bank Holiday Monday – jazz, swing, brass – music for all tastes. In June there is an open-air Big Band Music Evening and a number of open-air theatre companies take advantage of the Main Lawn as a natural amphitheatre to put on a number of performances, varying from Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde.
PLANT SHOWS
Throughout the year the Botanical Gardens hosts a number of specialist plant shows. The Cyclamen Show, Dahlia Show, Cactus & Succulent Show and Orchid Show all feature magnificent specimens grown by experts and there are also regular Bonsai Demonstrations.
OTHER FACILITIES
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is an ideal location for group visits and special rates are available. Other attractions include a Children’s Playground and the Growing Schools Garden. The Shop at the Gardens stocks a wide range of quality fancy gifts, cards and plants. There is also a Gallery and the Pavilion Tea Room to round off any visit. The Gardens has its own car park and there are facilities for the disabled including free mobility scooters (prior booking required).
For confirmation of dates of special events, admission prices including special rates for groups etc visit www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
