Become a plant scientist for a day

Published On Tue 21 May 2019 by Dominic Glasgow

Green-fingered families could become plant scientists and explore the power of plants this weekend as the University of Dundee and the James Hutton Institute host a free celebration of flowers and fauna at the University’s Botanic Garden.

Plant Power Day 2019 takes place on Saturday 25 May between 11am and 4pm and offers budding botanists the chance to see the University Botanic Garden's beautiful collection of trees and shrubs, glasshouse greenery as well as its water and herb gardens.

Visitors can also expect face painting, badge making, art workshops, and the opportunity to meet beekeepers and birds of prey.

Dr Jorunn Bos, a plant scientist at the University of Dundee who is based at the James Hutton Institute, said, "Every breath we take and every meal we eat owes a debt to plants. From one little seed, planted into soil, many green lives can arise - from small herbs up to big trees, or from ornamental flowers to substantial crops which all animals and mankind need to survive on this planet.

"Plant Power Day is your chance to be a plant scientist for a day. Scientific staff will be running fun activities for all ages including raspberry DNA isolation, identifying insects, exploring plant pollination and botanical adventure trails."

Plant Power Day will take place on Saturday 25 May at the University’s Botanic Garden, Riverside Drive, DD2 1QH.

The University’s Botanic Garden is committed to education for people of all ages, with more than 80,000 visitors every year.

For media enquiries contact:
Dominic Glasgow
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385131
Email: d.w.glasgow@dundee.ac.uk