Explore Chinese life and the Garden's historic ties with China in lively series of events, part of China Now! in Scotland.
China Now! in Scotland is a year-long showcase of Chinese culture and a dynamic exploration of the ancient and modern links between the two countries. The programme at the Botanics runs from May to October and includes tours, talks, exhibitions, family events, art workshops and live performances.
Living with the Lotus (3 and 31 May) is an incredible first for the Garden - a tour of the Glasshouses delivered in two languages simultaneously by members of Edinburgh's hidden Cantonese community. For the past 18 months, the Garden has been developing links with this community; for this tour, two sprightly septugenerians join forces with the Garden Guides to talk about how many of our indoor plants are used in Hong Kong.
Dialogues of Wind and Bamboo (16 May to 29 June) is an installation in and around the Chinese Hillside created by a collective of visual artists and musicians. The piece explores the cultural resonance of bamboo and the interplay of this plant with the elements.
Expedition China (12 to 16 May) offers school groups the chance to explore the Garden's Chinese plants in the guise of conservators of herbal remedies. Cast in this role, the pupils explore plants, their uses and most importantly the threats facing them in the wild. A fascinating day for all young explorers!
Oriental Odyssey in the Botanics (10 May, 7 June and 6 September) is a tour of the Garden featuring some of the Chinese stars of the living collection. It provides a fascinating glimpse of the spills and thrills plant collectors experienced as they brought these plants from China to Britain in the early 20th century.
- For a full listing of events, visit the China Now! page
- More about China Now! in Scotland at www.chinanow-inscotland.org.uk