Sibbaldia provides an opportunity for horticulturists and others in botanic garden horticulture to share their expertise in maintaining and managing botanic garden living collections.

Sibbaldia aims to broaden the conversation about what horticulturists are doing day to day and to provide a platform for discussion and learning. The journal is for horticulturists worldwide and to date contributions have been received from over 250 authors working in over 50 botanic gardens from 36 countries.

Horticulture in botanic gardens is incredibly varied. Horticulturists are in the middle of all the activity as guardians and promotors of the main attraction, the plants. A huge amount of information and knowledge is amassed by horticulturists over the years because so much of horticulture is based on experience and observation. Traditionally communication about growing plants is by word of mouth and shared with close colleagues. Historically, gardeners are given vocational, practical training yet the knowledge held by those who look after the plants is essential to the future of horticulture and botanic gardens themselves.

Subjects covered in Sibbaldia include: cultivation methods and protocols, curation and management of collections, landscaping projects, species descriptions, garden history, how gardens are used, education in gardens, and plant records. Papers are illustrated in full colour. Our readership extends from horticulturists and garden managers to students, conservationists, plant scientists and interested amateurs and plant enthusiasts.

Read us

All volumes are available to view and download for free at https://journals.rbge.org.uk

The most recent volume is No. 19 and is available to browse and purchase here 

Most back issues and the current volume are available to buy as printed copies by email to the address at the bottom of this page.

Some recent papers

1. Restoration of Erica verticillata

The effects of fire on the endangered species Erica verticillata in its native habitat in South Africa.Volume 14, authors A. Hitchcock & A. Rebelo. Images: Dalton Gibbs.

2. How to protect woody plants from browsing damage by deer

David Gray's diagrams provide practical guidance on proven deterrents to browsing deer for improved establishment of woody plants. Volume 14, author D. Gray. Image: David Gray.

3. Ex situ conservation of Rafflesia patma

Horticulturists in Indonesia describe their success with propagation by grafting this endangered species. Volume 13, authors S. Mursdiawati, Ngatari, Irawati, S. Cardinal, & R. Kusumawati. Image: Sofi Mursidawati.

Write for us

We are always looking for new and interesting articles about horticulture and plant management in botanic, heritage and public gardens. If you have an idea for an article please email us. We welcome contributions from horticulturists, conservationists, scientists and other professionals with a little or a lot of experience in publishing.

Guidelines for contributors: https://journals.rbge.org.uk/index.php/rbgesib/about/submissions#authorGuidelines