Edinburgh botanic garden reopens restored palm houses after glass overhaul

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is reopening its palm houses after a five-year restoration that replaced vulnerable glazing with 5,750 panels of toughened glass. The work is designed to protect the garden’s plant collection from Scottish winter storms, which have previously sent glass panels crashing into greenhouse interiors. Staff have reported plants being damaged or destroyed by falling glass and freezing air.

Sadie Barber, the garden’s glasshouse curator, said personnel were barred from entering when winds exceeded 30mph. Before the restoration, horticultural staff had installed a protective net because of the risk of panels falling from the weathered structure. The new glass is not bulletproof but is strong enough to resist a bird strike, according to the report.

The £23.5m refurbishment retained almost all of the original sandstone and wrought-iron shell of the part-Georgian, part-Victorian building. More than 600 temperate plants have returned to the restored space. The garden said temperature and humidity continue to be controlled using the original pulleys and winches.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was founded in 1670 by two physicians to teach doctors about medicinal plants. It now holds a major plant biodiversity collection, including rare gingers, bananas, blueberries and begonias, and has a particular research reputation for rhododendrons and ferns. The institution’s conservation work includes maintaining plants that have disappeared from the wild.

Director of science Pete Hollingsworth said protected collections were important because environmental threats in natural habitats were severe. However, other glasshouses remain well beyond their intended lifespan and are awaiting upgrades. Leaks can damage plant roots, while high winds have forced staff to stay out for extended periods.

The garden said workers have sometimes needed hard hats and safety equipment to remove broken glass. The restoration has improved conditions in the palm houses, but the wider estate still faces infrastructure problems that threaten the plants it is intended to protect.