Six years, hundreds of plants and one tree casualty - Edinburgh's Palm House returns

Edinburgh's iconic Palm Houses at the Royal Botanic Garden have reopened after a six-year, massive restoration project. The historic glasshouses, built in the 19th century, had to close for vital repairs due to leaky and rusty conditions. Hundreds of plants had to be temporarily relocated, with the vast majority surviving the move. However, the beloved Sabal palm tree, estimated to be over 200 years old, could not be saved and had to be cut down as it grew too tall for the glasshouse.

The restoration work involved replacing more than five thousand panes of glass, repairing and repainting the corroding ironwork, renovating the stone, and knocking down a partition wall to create a brighter, more spacious environment. The glasshouse team and expert curators worked tirelessly to ensure the plants were well cared for during the relocation and carefully returned them to the renovated space.

Regius Keeper of the Botanic Garden, Julia Knights, emphasized the importance of the Palm Houses in protecting rare and endangered plants, many of which are extinct in the wild but hold medicinal properties for human health. While most plants were saved during the move, the Sabal palm tree was sadly lost.

David Knott, the Director of Horticulture, expressed hope that the new Sabal palm tree, planted in the taller glasshouse, would thrive and continue the legacy of its predecessor. He welcomed the return of the iconic building, stating that Edinburgh's Palm Houses remain one of the garden's most recognizable features, both for locals and visitors worldwide.

Sadie Barber, Curator of the Palm Houses, noted the positive signs that the plants are adapting well to their new home. She observed new growth emerging from some plants and described the overall sense of life and vitality in the glasshouse. The restoration project, completed with modern techniques and materials, ensures the future of these beloved buildings for generations to come.