Sheffield Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens were founded in 1833 and opened in 1836. They were designed by Robert Marnock in the Gardenesque style. A £6.69 million restoration project has revamped both the buildings and the Gardens.
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The Grade 11* listed Glass Pavilions, one of the earliest curvilinear (curved roof) glasshouses ever built, now contain a temperate plant collection from around the world, opened by HRH Prince Charles on the 1st September 2003.
The Gardens provide a place of pleasure and education for all members of the family and provide a magnificent setting for the many events held there throughout the year.
There are collections of plants from all over the world, including Mediterranean, Asian, American Prairie-style, woodland and rock-and-water plantings including:
A wide variety of different types of Birches have been added to the existing collection and under-planted with masses of spring bulbs.
The Main Lawns
This Grade II listed landscape has been restored to the original 'Gardenesque' style, which features curving bed shapes and semi-natural planting arrangements. The National Collections of Weigela and Diervilla are located here.
The Mediterranean Climate Garden
This area has been transformed into mounds of sun-loving plants with gravel paths winding between them.
The Rose Garden
The original layout has been reinstated and planted with a wide range of traditional, modern and climbing roses.
The Asia Garden
Glades of trees and shrubs from the Far East including Rhododendrons and Pieris.
The Evolution Garden
Showing how plants have developed from primitive life forms, Ancient plants such as Ginkgo and Dawn redwood show how plants have evolved. The fossilised stump of a 300 million year-old lycopod (Club Moss) which would have grown to about 30 metres tall has been relocated here.
Osborn's Field
New tender plants and modern cultivars take advantage of this sheltered, sunny location.
The Robert Marnock Garden
Using the theme 'Ideas to take home', this area demonstrates new gardening ideas including planting styles, garden features and garden management approaches. During early November 2008 a stainless steel sculpture of a giant leaf cutter ant by scuptor Johnny White has been placed in the Marnock Garden as an addition to the Riddle Trail. The project involved the Off the Shelf Festival and Galvanise Sheffield Festival of Contemporary Metal Design. The ant is found in the West Indies and South America. The sculpture measures 1.6 metres high x 1.6 metres long and her spikes are made from rejected hip joints that were found in a scrap yard in Attercliffe. Part of the Robeert Marnock Garden has been re-designed and ncludes a new picnic area and table with the ant, known now as "Anthia" incorporated into the design. The redesigned Robert Marnock Garden was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Councillor Graham Oxley on the 8th July 2009 at an event celebrating the Friends of the Botanical Gardens 25th Anniversary. A tree (Stewartia monadelpha) was planted to mark the occasion.
The Rock and Water Garden
New planting enhances the restored ponds, with a particular emphasis on plants that are native to the Peak District.
The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) Border
Featuring plants that have been awarded this Royal Horticultural Society accolade for excellence.
The Woodland Garden
This area has been transformed from a dark and gloomy place into a woodland garden with year-round interest. Coppiced trees and shrubs give dappled shade and changing drifts of colour at ground level.
The Prairie Garden
Swathes of meadow plants and grasses established from seed sown in February 2004 give a naturalistic prairie effect, providing a changing display from spring through to autumn.
There are also many other areas including the Four Seasons garden providing a wealth of colour all the year round, and the Victorian Garden with authentic Victorian planting. You will also find the restored fountain at the end of the Broadwalk with its beautiful mixed herbaceous borders and many listed buildings including the Bear Pit. There is also a Riddle Trail around the Gardens with eight artworks, each containing a riddle, starting and finishing at the Curator's House.
Please visit www.sbg.org.uk for detailed information on the areas and plantings.
Restaurant, Tearoom and Giftshop
The Curator's House restaurant and tea rooms and the Gatehouse gift shop can be found in the East Gatehouse at the main entrance on Clarkehouse Road. Open every day throughout the year, and there is an information point and reception office in the West Gatehouse on Clarkehouse Road which is open from 9.00am to 5.00 pm weekdays. Phone 0114 268 6001.
Images courtesy of Meg Jullien
Go to Sheffield Botanical Gardens opening times for more information and facilities.