Mexican Mariachi music, stories by a popular children’s author, craft fair, display of vintage tractors and a dog agility display are just some of the many attractions to be enjoyed at Benmore Botanic Garden’s free Open Day on Sunday 19 May.

Garden Curator Peter Baxter said the Open Day offers a great family day out in the wonderful setting at Benmore. He explained “The aim of the Open Day is to encourage people to come along to the Garden and enjoy an afternoon of activities. Some visitors attend our Open Day every year but we hope to see lots of new faces this year too.’’

Mr Baxter added: “People can come along when the Garden opens at 10am, enjoy a morning stroll and then take part in the activities when they begin at noon.’’

Scottish children’s author Pauline Tait will be setting up residence in Puck’s Hut where she will be reading her latest story “The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical’’ throughout the afternoon to pre-school and lower primary age children.

The Open Day will also include a plant sale and home baking, and representatives from many local groups will be attending and include Sandbank Shetland Ponies, Saving Scotland’s Red squirrels, Barbara’s Wildlife Rescue, the National Park, VisitScotland’s Coo Van, Winston Churchill Venison Burgers and Police Scotland Youth Volunteers.

The Benmore Café at the Garden entrance will be open as usual throughout the day.

Spaces at the Benmore car park are limited so there will be a free shuttle bus service from Stratheck Caravan Park.

ENDS
For further information or images, please contact Sandra Donnelly on 0131 248 1037/07554115908 or Shauna Hay on 0131 248 2900/07824529028.

EDITOR’S NOTES:

Benmore Botanic Garden is part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). It sits on the A815, seven miles north of Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula. Western Ferries sail from Gourock. It is open daily to the public from March 1 to October 31.

In its magnificent mountainside setting, Benmore is steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic scenery. The Garden’s 120 acres are home to a world-famous collection of plants from regions ranging from the Orient and the Himalaya to North and South America. In particular, it is renowned for its collection of more than 300 species of rhododendron.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a leading international research organisation delivering knowledge, education and plant conservation action around the world. In Scotland its four Gardens at Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan attract nearly a million visitors each year. It operates as a Non Departmental Public Body established under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985, principally funded by the Scottish Government. It is also a registered charity, managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Ministers. Its mission is “To explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future.”