At the Garden opening visitors will have the chance to see new plantings, illustrating European Mediterranean flora and unique native plants, many rare to the Bristol area.

Two special exhibitions will be available including a display to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the life and work of the world famous naturalist Charles Darwin.  Carnivorous plants, including the tropical pitcher plants Nepenthes can also be seen.

In the study room, Writhlington School Orchid Project will be highlighting their overseas conservation work with a special display of orchids and information. The project, run by pupils of all ages and based at the school near Radstock, has received many awards for their pioneering work.

Nick Wray, Botanic Garden Curator, said: “The New Zealand and South African displays are new for 2009, whilst the Evolution, Mediterranean and Floral Diversity Displays have matured and are full of late summer colour and interest.”

Many of the plants are grown in the extensive glasshouse, which is home to the Giant Amazon Water Lily, with leaves 1.5 metres in diameter, the exquisite Sacred Lotus collection, many tropical fruits and medicinal plants, and Wolly, the famous Wollemi Pine.

Visitors can join tours of the Garden from 2 pm to learn how the new plant collections have been developed and used. There will also be a plant sale and refreshments will be available.

Admission is £4.50 (including the tour), children free. Proceeds will go to the NGS and University of Bristol Botanic Garden

The event is being held from 2 to 5 pm at the University Botanic Garden, The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol BS8 1JB.  For further information please telephone 0117 331 4912.