Discovering the lush subtropical plantings of the Logan Botanic Garden warmed by the Gulf Stream in the Rhins of Galloway of south-western Scotland. Immaculately tended beds and woodland (with labels) as you would expect at a Royal Botanic Garden, but with sympathetic layouts and vistas that are aesthetically satisfying as well as botanically informative. The show glasshouse is heated by an air source heat pump and solar energy.
For us it was like revisiting New Zealand South Island without the jetlag. And an inspiration as to what can been done in a garden at this high latitude (54°44'30.6"N 4°57'34.1"W), albeit with the warmth of the Gulf Stream.
Logan’s first plantings were established in 1869 so there are many mature specimens; there have been many subsequent additions from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America and Southern Africa.
Some of our visit was enlivened by the music of Straneaer Drumming Group
The point being made is that tree ferns evolved after the dinosaurs often pictured amongst them so tree ferns are not “dinosaur food”.
Labelled as Desfontainia fulgens (Argentina & Chile). There’s a hole in the flower through which the bees can access the nectar.
Palm Trees growing outdoors in Scotland - these are Chusan Palms
Driveway to Logan Botanic Garden lined with Cabbage Palm trees