News: Spring/Summer 2006

Gardeners in Scotland are being encouraged to think about using natives in the garden to help safeguard their future.

The plea comes from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Scotland's leading plant conservation centre). A range of native Scottish wildflowers are under threat from the effects of climate change and habitat destruction. Among those plants suggested as candidates for inclusion in the garden are the Scottish primrose (Primula Scottica), yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) and herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia). Peter Brownless, a RBGE garden supervisor, said many native species needed a helping hand - "Some of the endangered species are lovely little plants which stand a chance of being cultivated in a variety of places from window boxes in the inner city to suburban gardens".

Jeremy Watson. 2005. Go native, experts tell gardeners. Viewed at http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=2385102005 on December 12th 2005.