We are excited to share that a truly rare event is taking place in the Arid Glasshouse. If you visit the Gardens you’ll be able to witness the blooming of the Puya alpestris, an otherworldly plant from the Chilean Andes, which can take up to a decade to flower and then dies.

What makes this plant so special?

Imagine a plant so exquisite, it takes up to a decade to flower, and when it does, it here for just a fleeting moment. This is the magic of the Puya alpestris, a fascinating member of the bromeliad family, distantly related to the pineapple. Native to the mountainous regions of central and southern Chile, where it thrives at elevations of up to 2,200 meters. Its alien-like appearance, coupled with its spectacularly coloured hues, has earned it the affectionate nickname ‘sapphire tower’.

A hummingbird or paintbrush

In the wild, this remarkable plant relies on hummingbirds to collect its nectar-rich pollen, ensuring its survival. However, here at The Gardens, Senior Glasshouse Horticulturist, Alberto Trinco, delicately uses a small paintbrush to collect the precious pollen. As Alberto explains, “Each flower only lasts a few days, giving us a limited window of time to give nature a helping hand. In the absence of its natural pollinators, we will attempt some hand pollination instead.”

Securing a Legacy

Having arrived at the Gardens over 20 years ago, the Puya alpestris is a cherished member of the living collection. “It is very slow-growing, so to witness its spectacular blooms is both exciting and rare,” says Alberto. “Hopefully, pollinating the flowers with the brush to obtain seeds will allow us to secure the presence of this amazing species in our collection for future generations to come and admire.”

This is a once-a-decade opportunity experience not to be missed! Be sure to visit the Gardens in the next week to see the flower in bloom. Otherwise you might be awaiting until 2034 to see it again!

Seize this once-in-a-decade opportunity!

Come and experience the magic of nature for yourself and plan your visit within the next week to catch a glimpse of this remarkable flower in bloom. Otherwise, you could be waiting until 2034 or longer for another chance to see it!

Click here to book your ticket 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ rich, uniquely biodiverse natural environment is one of the UK’s most significant historic Botanic Gardens. Since 1829, it has been devoted to conservation, growing plant diversity and public understanding – a purpose vital to earth’s survival.

Embedded in Birmingham’s scientific and people’s history, social and cultural life, this green sanctuary has protected and brought the value of plants to millions and a vast urban population. In some places fragile, tired, and deteriorating, the core heritage at The Gardens is at risk, threatening access for future generations. The Gardens and Glasshouses urgently require major investment to safeguard this rich asset for another 200 years. In addition, the site and operation requires investment to meet contemporary visitor expectations, to enable it to grow its offer and ensure its financial sustainability for the future.

Thanks to the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, (£590,000), and with a contribution from The Gardens’ reserves, we are currently in the developmental stages of the ‘Growing Our Green Heritage’ project, to safeguard the future of this special space.

The substance of the Major Project is to restore the heritage assets, rationalise visitor operations, improve planting and interpretation to create a financially sustainable first-class visitor destination, community resource, centre for horticultural excellence and high-quality green space. The project will also continue to expand its engagement with others to promote the value of nature/green spaces and highlight the role botanical gardens play in conserving plant biodiversity and increasing public understanding of issues.

Currently the Staff Team are working with various capital project experts such as Architects (both conservation and new build), Landscape Designers, Interpretation, Access, Hospitality and many others to finalise the project plan.

Each month I will be sharing progress and key moments of the development phase. In due course there will also be opportunities for local residents and other interested parties to see the development plans and get involved in supporting the project.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens began life as an exclusive environment for scientific study and advancement, but quickly evolved and diversified to become so much more than this. To this day The Gardens remain a beloved green resource for the people of Birmingham, where the lives of people and plants are closely intertwined. It is the ambition of the project to protect and restore this unique asset for Birmingham, its residents and visitors and we hope that you will support The Gardens Trustees, Staff and Volunteers as we develop the project.

Thank you for all your continued support.

Sara Blair-Manning –  Chief Executive

Experience Theatre magic in the heart of nature at Birmingham Botanical Gardens!

Get ready for an unforgettable summer as BBG presents the Gardens Theatre series. Set against the stunning backdrop of our picturesque gardens, these outdoor performances promise an evening of entertainment, laughter, and lasting memories for the whole family.

The Pantaloons Present: “The Importance of Being Earnest”


Step into the whimsical world of Oscar Wilde with a delightful performance of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by The Pantaloons. Join us on for a hilarious twist on this classic comedy of manners. With energetic performances, snappy songs, and frantically funny physical theatre, this is one show you won’t want to miss!
Date: Friday 26 July
Click here for more info

The Duke’s Theatre Company Presents: “As You Like It”

Join us as The Duke’s Theatre Company transports you to the magical forests of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” Directed by Kevin Bennett, this brand-new production promises music, mayhem, and madness as love blossoms amidst the chaos. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable theatrical experience!
Date: Friday 9 August
Click here for more info

Illyria Presents: “The Gondoliers”


Experience the romance and laughter of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers”. Join us for an evening of operatic delight as Illyria brings this classic tale of love and mistaken identity to life under the stars. Bring your own seating and snacks for a truly immersive outdoor theatre experience.
Date: Friday 6 September.
Click here for more info

We’re pleased to offer Exclusive discounts for Members: Unlock 10% off your ticket with code BBGMEMBERS (for “As You Like It” and “The Gondoliers”) or BBGM2024 (for “The Importance of Being Earnest”). Simply enter the code at checkout and bring your membership card for verification upon entry.
Become a member to unlock your discounts and offers throughout the year! Click here to find out more. 

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of outdoor theatre at The Gardens this year!

Step into the world of bonsai this summer as Birmingham Botanical Gardens proudly presents the National Bonsai Collection Open Days. Join the Friends of the National Bonsai Society  at these special events and discover the ancient art of bonsai.

Open days throughout the summer will be on:

• 28 June: 10am – 4pm
• 28 July: 10am – 4pm
• 25 August: 10am – 4pm
• 29 September: 10am – 4pm

During these exclusive open days, visitors will have the opportunity to join the Friends of the National Bonsai Society as they share their wealth of knowledge and expertise. Gain fascinating insights into the intricacies of bonsai cultivation and care, and marvel at the beauty of our unique bonsai collection. From delicate pruning techniques to the art of shaping and styling, there’s something for everyone to learn and appreciate.

Bonsai for sale in the Plant Shop

For those feeling inspired to bring a piece of bonsai magic home, our Plant Shop offers a selection of bonsai trees for sale. Start your own miniature masterpiece and embark on a botanical journey of creativity and mindfulness.

Tickets to the National Bonsai Collection Open Days are free with a valid general admission ticket to The Gardens, so be sure to make a day of it and enjoy the landscape.

In a vibrant oasis nestled within the heart of Edgbaston, Birmingham Botanical Gardens (BBG) is not just a sanctuary for flora and fauna but a nurturing ground for community wellness.

Teaming up with Edgbaston Archery and Lawn Tennis Society (EALTS), BBG has embarked on a unique partnership and journey of social prescribing, enriching the lives of around 50 carers and isolated adults, through the combined power of nature and sports.

Located next door to each other, BBG and EALTS are making the most of their proximity by working together to deliver three transformative social prescribing projects – Carers Tennis Project, Tennis Connect and Exercise Connect.

Not only are the projects helping people get outside, exercise and socialise, but the beautiful surroundings of The Botanical Gardens are also playing a part in supporting people’s health and wellbeing by connecting them to nature.

At the heart of this partnership lies a profound understanding of the therapeutic potential of green spaces. A report from the from the Mental Health Foundation underscores the profound impact of ‘nature connectedness’ on people’s mental and emotional health, and how high quality urban green spaces, like BBG, can enable more people to enjoy and connect with the environment.

“We are the lucky tennis club. We have the most beautiful surroundings you could hope for being direct neighbours to the Botanical Gardens.” Neil Glasspool, EALTS Club Secretary

Background

Founded in 1860, EALTS is the oldest lawn tennis club in the world. As part of the club’s development plan, it was keen to encourage a greater number of people from the surrounding area to utilise its year-round play facilities and be a ‘force for good’ in the local community.

A meeting between EALTS with Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service subsequently enabled three projects to be developed. The projects combine weekly tennis coaching and exercise sessions at EALTS with social time at BBG.

When it came to providing the social element of the projects, Neil Glasspool, EALTS Club Secretary reached out to Sara Blair-Manning, Chief Executive of BBG who was delighted to support the projects and work collaboratively with EALTS.

“Being located next door to the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens made it a natural partnership for the projects. We are so pleased to have been able to host the projects with both our facilities and with the partnership that has grown with our close neighbours.”  Neil Glasspool

The Projects: 

• The Carers Tennis Project: a weekly coached tennis session for females followed by social time in the Gardens.
• Tennis Connect: Held weekly on Fridays, the Tennis Connect group is designed for people over 50 living alone. It offers the combination of company, exercise and relaxation in nature. Participants undertake 45 minutes of exercise, 45 minutes of tennis coaching and an hour of peaceful contemplation at BBG to promote mental health and wellbeing.
• Exercise Connect: Exercise Connect was established as an ‘extra’ session to Tennis Connect following high demand for the project. People meet weekly every Wednesday.

The three social prescribing projects are being delivered thanks to funding from Sport England, The National Lottery Community Fund, Lawn Tennis Association, Warwickshire Lawn Tennis Association, Boost, and Lillie C Johnson Charitable Trust. The projects also have support from Sportworks, an award-winning social enterprise.

Many of the participants taking part in the projects have been referred by The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) which has links with social prescribers at two local GP surgeries.

“Social prescribing helps to create and nurture connections between people and places, sharing community assets and opportunities with a diverse range of people. Crucially social prescribing provides a supportive framework for those first steps, encouraging new community members to visit The Botanical Gardens and benefit from this unique and special green space in the city.” Jen Ridding, Head of Engagement and Learning, Birmingham Botanical Gardens

First steps into nature

The social side of all the projects is vital. It gives participants an opportunity to form new friendships and support circles, as well as connect with nature. It also encourages new community members to visit the Gardens and benefit from this unique and special green space in the city.

The time spent at BBG also addresses the downward national trend of people gaining health benefits from nature.

In a recent ONS report based on the 2021 Census, it was found that people in the UK are spending less time in natural environments since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The value of the lost health benefits from spending time in nature has been estimated at around £390 million, equivalent to an NHS spend of £356 per person on average.

‘Green’ social prescribing that encourages connections to nature, can be fundamental for improving an individual’s quality of life.

The National Social Prescribing Academy has reported that not only does being immersed in nature increase mental and physical wellbeing, but it also helps to strengthen social structures fostering a social connectedness, decreasing the feeling of isolation.

“This project is a great weekly social event. We meet as a group in stimulating surroundings. The Gardens offer a peaceful addition to the day.” Tennis Connect participant

Nurturing nature connections

The social element of the projects is further enhanced with talks and tours of The Gardens.

Sila Bolat, Conservation Ranger at the Gardens, leads a number of tours around The Gardens. She aims to both educate and foster a love of nature in participants during her tours.

“The tours are a great opportunity to show participants The Gardens and how they evolve with the seasons. I aim to make the tours interactive and sensory; using poetry, the colours of nature, and the smells within the Gardens such as the wild garlic, to bring them to life. It’s as wonderful for me as it is for the participants. They are engaged and ask so many questions. It’s great fun and a lovely experience for me to share my love of BBG and see the participants develop a deepened connection with nature.” Sila Bolat

Sustainable Growth

Sustainability is key for all the projects. BBG and EALTS are keen to keep fostering ongoing engagement, ensuring the legacy of their partnership flourishes beyond the projects.

EALTS is now looking to identify future funding streams that will enable project participants to become members of the tennis club. This will enable them to continue to play tennis with their newly formed social circles. BBG has also agreed that project members can continue to utilise The Gardens for social time.

It is hoped that the project beneficiaries will create an independent community group, with a constitution supported by both EALTS and BBG.

The partnership is an example of the transformative potential of collaboration, proving that when communities come together, they have the power to nurture growth, foster connection, and cultivate a brighter tomorrow.

“Building new connections with our community neighbours is central to the future of The Gardens. The partnership with EALTS and TAWS demonstrates the impact we can have by working together and collaborating to amplify the benefits our community assets offer and nurture positive difference in the lives of our community members.” Jen Ridding