Our 'Beginning Botany' short courses are an ideal introduction to the green kingdom, looking at the incredible diversity and adaptability of plants. For something more focussed, our one-day workshops are a great way to acquaint yourself with many of our native plants and fungi. They allow you to brush up on your identification skills, as well as finding out a little bit about the ecology, ethnobotany and importance of many of our native species.
View forthcoming courses further down the page or download the full prospectus from the box on the right. To book call the Education Office on 0131 248 2937.
If you would like to get more serious about field botany - perhaps as part of your job or university studies - you can join our Certificate in Practical Field Botany course. To take your studies to a postgraduate level we offer an MSc in the Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants.
RBGE’s Beginning Botany courses are suitable for ages 12 to 102.
Beginning Botany
Wednesdays, Autumn OR Spring Term, 7.00pm - 9.00pm, £70/£63
Aimed at the complete beginner and using living plants from the Garden, this eight-week course investigates the identification, function and ecology of familiar plant species. Useful as a pre-course to the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture.
More Beginning Botany (A closer look at flowers)
Wednesdays, Summer Term, 7.00pm - 9.00pm, £80/£72
This course explores the fascinating world of flowers and the ways plants adapt to their habitats. We will look at the hidden and sometimes devious ways plants attract attention and explore their secrets in theory and in practice with walks around the Garden, Glasshouses and by using microscopes.
Plant Identification Workshops
One-day workshops are a great way to find out more about different plant groups, their distinguishing features, life-cycle and ecology, and to brush up your skills in plant identification. We run courses on the following groups:
- Fern Identification
- Grass Identification
- Lichen Identification
- Moss Identification 1
- Moss Identification 2 (for those with some experience)
- Wildflower Identification
- Conifer Identification
- Winter Tree Identification
Forthcoming botany and science courses
Spring Bouquet
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Tues 2 Feb — Wed 31 Mar 2010
Snowdrops have featured prominently in previous February exhibitions.
Lichen Identification
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sun 14 Mar 2010
An introduction to the fundamental features of lichens. The day will include a lab-based session providing an introduction to the lichens, their structure and function and identification techniques.
Foundation to RBGE Diploma in Herbology
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Mon 19 Apr 2010
Our Foundation in Herbology gives you the skills to develop your own home herbalism, green fingers and pharmacy. With more in depth study and the opportunity for field trips, it provides the ideal stepping stone towards the RBGE DIploma in Herbology.
Recognising Plant Families
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Thurs 22 Apr 2010
The ability to recognise plant families is a key skill for botanists and gardeners alike. Explore a range of common flowering plants families and the key characteristics used to identify them, including flowers, fruits and vegetative characters.
Herbs of the Highlands
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Thurs 22 Apr 2010
The indigenous healing herbs of these northern climes are part of a truly remarkable ethonomedia- one that is steeped in th oral tradition, unique unto itself and its spectacular geographical location.
Expedition GPS
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sat 15 May 2010
Learn how GPS works, how to judge the reliability of readings and avoid common mistakes from RBGE botanist Mark Watson who has gained his experience on expedition in the Himalayas.
Pests and Diseases in the Garden
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sun 23 May 2010
A day to look at the problems in your garden, from pests and diseases to disorders caused by physical or chemical agents, and what you can do about them. With Stephan Helfer, RBGE and Andy Evans, Scottish Agricultural College.
Native Plants for Scottish Gardens
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sat 12 June 2010
Join Greg Kenicer and Cath Evans to find out about the native plants of Scotland that will thrive in your home garden. Learn about their cultivation, habitats and history on this one-day workshop.
Fern Identification
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sat 19 June 2010
There are about 70 species of fern and on this one-day workshop you can learn some of the simple skills to identify the most common ones around Edinburgh and enjoy putting your new knowledge in to practice in the Garden.
Wildflower Identification
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sat 26 June 2010
Join Phil Lusby for an illustrated guide to native wildflowers. The day includes a hands-on workshop to teach you some of the basic skills, plus a field trip for a chance to put them into practice.
