In collaboration with Rhins of Galloway Coast Path Project, Logan Botanic Garden, near Port Logan, in Dumfries & Galloway, is hosting the adventurous Wildflowers of Coastal Cliffs exhibition running through May and June 2021. Alongside the Garden’s wonderful palm trees, tree ferns and giant gunnera, visitors can discover more about the beautiful flora where the land meets the sea, a demanding place for plants to survive.   

Rock faces are particularly exposed to extremes of weather, making coastal cliffs an even more precarious place for flowers to thrive. Plants living on cliffs must withstand the harsh conditions of salty sea spray and drying winds but also benefit from the warmer winter temperatures of a maritime climate. Several species reach the northern limits of their UK distribution in the Rhins of Galloway and are unlikely to be seen elsewhere in Scotland.  

Peter Ross, Chair of the Rhins of Galloway Coast Path Steering Group, commented “Alongside the creation of the new coast route we are running a programme of events providing opportunities for people to find out more about the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Rhins of Galloway. We are absolutely delighted that Logan Botanic Garden is hosting this exhibition and would encourage visitors to spend some time at the Coastal Cliffs display – it will make their next walk on the Rhins Coast even more enjoyable!”   

To accompany the exhibition, a guide to common flowers has been published helping visitors to know their Scot’s lovage from their golden samphire. The Rhins of Galloway Coast Path is a project managed by Dumfries and Galloway Council and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Coastal Communities Fund. Plans are in place to run events revealing the amazing wildlife on the Rhins coast, which will be updated on their Facebook page @Rhinsofgallowaycoastpath. The guide can be downloaded from the Rhins Coast path website at https://dgtrails.org/wildflowers-at-logan-botanic-gardens/

Reflecting on the importance and value of wildflowers, Richard Baines, Curator at Logan Botanic Garden said, “In terms of biodiversity, they are an intrinsic part of the food chain for surrounding insects and animals. Their root systems also help stabilize their home soil which helps prevent erosion- a particularly useful factor for the wildflowers based at a coastal location such as The Rhins of Galloway Coast.

“The exhibition at Logan highlights the diversity of native flora found in these coastal habitats in Galloway and the photographic display highlights some of the main species that are found on the newly designated Rhins coastal walk.”

He concluded: “The newly produced wildflower booklet is an excellent educational tool to aid identification of any unknown species. The exhibition also ties in with the native plant area located in the walled garden at Logan which also provides information on the local species.”   

ENDS    

For further information, interviews, review copies or images, please respond to this email or contact Sophie Lynch 07808 710 642 or Shauna Hay on 07824 529 028   

EDITOR’S NOTES:  

The Rhins of Galloway Coast Path is a project managed by Dumfries and Galloway Council and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Coastal Communities Fund. The Rhins of Galloway Coast Path Project is about much more than providing access to spectacular landscapes and seascapes. The Project has evolved into an ambitious scheme with an integrated programme of activities and interpretation to inspire and engage both local people and visitors with the cultural, built and natural heritage associated with the path and the coast of the Rhins. See the Rhins of Glloway Path webpage at https://dgtrails.org/rhins-of-galloway-path/development/  

Solway Firth Partnership (SFP) is assisting with the development of the project. SFP is a charity that works to support a vibrant and sustainable local economy while respecting, protecting and celebrating the distinctive character, heritage and natural features of our marine and coastal area, http://www.solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk  

Five-star Logan Botanic Garden, as certified by VisitScotland, is a Regional Garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Located on the south-western tip of Scotland, Logan enjoys an almost subtropical climate. The Garden's avenues and borders feature a spectacular and colourful array of half-hardy perennials.  Warmed by the Gulf Stream, species from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America and Southern Africa thrive here.   

Open daily April to November: April to October, 10am to 5pm, November 1 -15, 10am to 4pm, February, Sundays 10am to 4pm  

Admission:  Adult £7.50, Concession £6.75, Child (15 and under) Free. Includes a voluntary donation. Free entry for RBGE Members. Group rates (11+ people) £5.65. Call 01776 860231 to pre-book.

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 more than 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.” Learn more: www.rbge.org.uk