Why gardens keep visitors coming back

Written by Helen Fowler

Visitors and locals alike enjoy Edinburgh's Botanical Gardens.

One of the reasons I like living in central Edinburgh so much is proximity to the city's Royal Botanic Gardens. Sure, we don't have a garden in our second-floor flat, but who needs one when you have seventy acres of landscaped perfection close at hand?

The gardens have offered a tranquil haven to visitors for hundreds of years and have a special place in the hearts of many locals. Founded in the 17th century as a physic garden, the Botanics keep people coming back again and again. Not surprising, when you consider some of its attractions.

For starters, it has a huge beech hedge, more than a century old, that you can watch changing colour with the seasons. There's a herbaceous border too - but not like any typical herbaceous border. This one is more than 165 metres long. The Queen Mother's Memorial Garden, which opened in 2006, features a box-hedge maze and 'shell house' that entertains children for hours. Walking through the Chinese Hillside section, with its river, waterfall and pagoda, is a treat for everyone. Anybody interested in Scotland's native flora will enjoy the Scottish Heath Garden. Giant Sierra Redwood trees from North America give welcome shade in the summer.

Inverleith House, in the grounds, is often home to a contemporary art exhibition. The Victorian palmhouse is a joy for anyone who enjoys plants or architecture. There are special events for adults, families and children happening most weekends. Better still, unlike many similar gardens, entry to this one is free.