23 October 2000

Rocky times ahead for Botanic Garden

An unusual gift has led to the development of the American area of the University of Dundee Botanic Garden. Thanks to a donation of large stones by Mowlem Civil Engineers a 'wilderness' trail has been created which will show a selection of plants from the mountains of East USA.

Although the stones came from a quarry in Blair Atholl the rock is geologically the same as that found in the Appalachian Mountains.

Said Jillian Galbraith, education and community events officer: "This is no coincidence, but a reflection of the time when Europe and America were part of one land mass. There are also similarities between the species of trees which grow naturally in Scotland and the Appalachians. Visitors to the new trail will be able to wander through both conifers and broad-leaved trees, even catching an occasional glimpse of a red squirrel."

The rocks are already in place and the area will be planted over the winter.

For further information contact Alasdair Hood, Curator, University of Dundee Botanic Garden. Tel: 01382 566939.

A photograph of Jillian Galbraith, education and community events officer, and Trevor Whyte, senior gardener, with the University Botanic Garden's latest acquisition.