Welcome
The Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens have a simple wish – that you enjoy the Gardens as much as we do.
You may be our next door neighbours or a visitor to Glasgow or live on the other side of the world – it matters not – please enjoy your time in the Gardens, whether in-person or online. We hope that this site will inspire you to visit the Gardens and give you all information you need.
Conservation
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is firstly a documented collection of plants for the purposes of conservation, education and research and is home to several national plant collections including dendrobium orchids, tree ferns and begonias.
Education
We aim to enhance the international educational value of botanic gardens world-wide and support educational activities and training programmes aimed at nature lovers of all ages and skill levels.
Public benefit
We believe the Botanic Gardens are a precious gift to be utilised and enjoyed by all. Friends groups play a vital role in safeguarding our greenspaces, ensuring they remain freely accessible for generations to come by shaping the management, funding and protection of these invaluable public assets.
Free Guided Tours
Free tours of the Botanic Gardens have started their 2026 season. View the Tours page for the current tour schedule.
Upcoming events
Certificate in Practical Horticulture
RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture at Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a 10-day course that will give you the fundamental practical skills of a horticulturist.
Latest News
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Cycling Without Age Scotland
Read more: Cycling Without Age ScotlandI recently had the pleasure of a trip in an electric trishaw courtesy of the charity, Cycling Without Age Scotland. The “Age” in their title is a little misleading as they will take anyone who has mobility issues. I met up with John (my driver) because of a request for a tour. A lady from…
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Chair’s report
Read more: Chair’s reportThis will be my final Chair’s report before I step down at our AGM on Monday 7th September. I have been Chair for three years and for six months prior to this I was heavily involved in setting up our Garden Guides Group. Full details of our AGM and my annual report to members has…
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Glasgow Tree Lovers’ Society
Read more: Glasgow Tree Lovers’ SocietyThe Society was founded in 1933 by a group of tree enthusiasts with a vision of this city being improved as a ‘dear green place’ by planting trees and shrubs wherever possible. It was the driving force behind plantings along roadsides, in derelict areas, within parks and gardens and the grounds of churches, schools and…
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New additions to Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Read more: New additions to Glasgow Botanic GardensUntil July, we have received seeds and plants of about 760 species (including hybrids and cultivars) from botanical gardens, nurseries, and individuals. Many of the seeds came through the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) seed exchange program from other botanical gardens across Europe. Seed germination is not always successful, but we have obtained seedlings of…