Birmingham Botanical Gardens
& Glasshouses

The Botanical Gardens were first opened in 1832 and apart from the 4 glasshouses which were added during the 19th century the layout of the  gardens is much the same today as the original design. The original objective for the gardens was to encourage the study of plants from around the world, however today its objectives are more towards conservation of species threatened by exploitation, so it houses plants which are considered to be important to the human race, those which have influenced history and represents a variety of climatic zones.

There are 4 glasshouses which include:

• Tropical House - which houses rain forest vegetation, a 24ft lily pond and economic plants such as coffee, cocoa, bananas, pineapple and sugar cane.

• Subtropical (Palm) House - stands 8metres tall and is home to Tree ferns, orchids and insect eating plants.

• Mediterranean House - recreates the atmosphere of a Victorian conservatory or orangery and has citrus fruits and seasonal ornamental displays.

• Arid House - recreates an arid desert and houses a collection of living stones as well as cacti.

The gardens cover 15 acres of ornamental gardens and includes:

• Rhododendron Walk - a shady walk planted with new and established varieties.

• Formal Terrace

• Rock Garden and Waterfall - is a miniature mountain landscape, with the rock pool providing a home for water based plants.

• Herbaceous Border - is near the playground.

• Fern Gardens and Woodland Walk - the Fern Glade or 'jungle' and the Woodland Walk form a pleasant route by which to return to the Terrace or Glasshouses after touring the lower portion of the garden.

• Historic Gardens - is an area containing Roman, Medieval and Tudor gardens.

• Alpine Yard - demonstrates various ways Alpine plants can be displayed.

• Pinetum - has conifers, pines, redwoods, cedars, large and Douglas fir.

• Herb Garden - plants of culinary, medicinal and ornamental herbs on display.

• Cottage Garden - found behind the playground a little redbrick cottage is the focal point of a traditional cottage garden.

• Wildlife Glade is a small plot carefully managed to reproduce a flower meadow.

• Winter Garden and Fountain - is home to early flowering plants and shrubs which bring colour throughout the winter months.

• Acer Collection - is a small arboretum of maples.

• Children's Discovery Gardens - where children can get to feel the natural world.

• Main Lawn and Bandstand - an amphitheatre and acts as a suntrap so is a popular spot for picnics.

• Grass Garden - demonstrates the collections of ornamental and economic plants of the grass family.

Other attractions on the site include:

• Exotic birds in indoor and outdoor aviaries

• European Waterfowl

• Demonstration areas

• Japanese Garden

• Sculpture Trail

• Home of the National Bonsai Collection - 25 hardy bonsai trees in a courtyard

• A shop and plant centre

• The Gallery with month exhibitions of local artists work.

• Children's' adventure playground

Their website has a Plant of the Month feature so you can find out which plants are currently in bloom or at it's best to be seen.

Location: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, Birmingham Grid Reference: SP047854 Ceremonial County: Warwickshire Map Link: StreetMap  Aerial photo: Google Aerial   Getting there: From M5 J3 take A456 to City Centre. Turn right onto B4129 and follow signs to botanical gardens. Access: Wheelchair access throughout the gardens and glasshouses. Large FREE car park for visitors Website: www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Other Useful Websites: Email: admin@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Address: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham Postcode: B15 3TR Telephone: 0121 454 1860 Opening Times: All year except Xmas Day. Apr-Sept 9am-7pm; Oct 9am-6pm; Nov-Ma5 9am-5pm. Sunday's open at 10am. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Charges: Adult £7.50; Child (5-16) £4.75 Under 5's FREE; Family £22; Seniors/Students/Disabled + Helpers £4.75 Nearby Locations: Other Location Pages: Other Relevant Pages: Notes: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Baby changing facilities available. No pets in the gardens except guide dogs. Other facilities include a Tea Room serving coffee and light lunches, a shop, a library and the Gallery which houses exhibitions of art by local artists.

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By: Tracey Park	Section: Gardens Section	Key:
Page Ref: birmingham_botanical	Topic: Gardens	Last Updated: 03/2011

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