When I travel, I often seek out botanic gardens to visit. I am always drawn to nature and beautiful flowers and trees amaze me. There is just such a variety and I can use the beauty I see as inspiration in my fashion design work. So many textures, colors, and shapes!
My latest trip took me to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland. And what a treat! Established in 1670, the garden is both a study in historic gardening and latest landscaping. It is a large garden with about 70 acres of land. So, allow sufficient time to stroll around, sit on benches, and admire the beautiful plants. Some of the most famous sections include the Scottish Heath Garden, Rock Garden, and Herbaceous Border.
My latest trip took me to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland. And what a treat! Established in 1670, the garden is both a study in historic gardening and latest landscaping. It is a large garden with about 70 acres of land. So, allow sufficient time to stroll around, sit on benches, and admire the beautiful plants. Some of the most famous sections include the Scottish Heath Garden, Rock Garden, and Herbaceous Border.
 |  |
The garden is also home to the largest collection of wild-origin Chinese plants outside China. A hilly set up of the Asia area will take you across creeks and beautiful bridges. One cannot resist taking photos of the impeccably maintained landscaping.
Once you take in the outside, step into the Windows on the World - a series of glasshouses that explore ten distinct climatic zones. The plants range from the economically important species - including banana and rubber - to household favorites and the world's largest collection of tender vireya rhododendron, originating from the mountains of New Guinea and Borneo.
Once you take in the outside, step into the Windows on the World - a series of glasshouses that explore ten distinct climatic zones. The plants range from the economically important species - including banana and rubber - to household favorites and the world's largest collection of tender vireya rhododendron, originating from the mountains of New Guinea and Borneo.
 |  |
A very cure area - Queen Mother's Memorial garden - was opened in the summer of 2006. Interesting fact? The bushes are cut in the shape of letter E. Take a moment to remember the much loved royal.
The gardens are free (with a fee to the glasshouses) so you will come across locals reading books on benches, chatting with friends, and families having picnics on the lawns. What a better way to honor nature and us being part of it?
The gardens are free (with a fee to the glasshouses) so you will come across locals reading books on benches, chatting with friends, and families having picnics on the lawns. What a better way to honor nature and us being part of it?
 |  |
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is located at Inverleith Row/Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5LR.