Introduction

Glasgow Botanic Gardens are nestled between the southern bank of the River Kelvin and Glasgow’s Great Western Road, in the heart of the West End. Founded in 1817 by renowned botanist, Thomas Hopkirk, and with support from the University of Glasgow, the gardens have remained an integral part of the city for more than 200 years. Until 1842 however, the Botanic Gardens were actually situated a mile or so to the south-east of the current site, at the western end of Sauchiehall Street. Today, the gardens are home to an extensive plant collection, riverside walks and woodland copses, while the standout feature remains Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens’ spectacular glasshouse.