The Botanic Garden event will highlight how all life on earth depends on plants.  Scientists and students from the School of Biological Sciences will be on hand to explain current research in plant sciences together with a series of specially developed posters and hands on science displays.

An A-Z of fascinating plants has been produced illustrating how plants are used for both common and unusual foods, interesting examples of adaptation to environment, pollination and some of the extreme lengths plants go to survive.

Simon Hiscock, Professor of Botany and Director of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, said: “Visitors to the garden will have the opportunity to learn about the myriad uses of plants as foods and medicines around the world and how plants build ecosystems.

“The event is a great opportunity for adults and children to get to know the plants they use in everyday life.”

On Sunday 20 May there will be a series of tours showcasing some of the fascinating plants in the garden. Tours begin at the garden welcome lodge from 10.30am until 12.30 pm.

Launched under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO, Brussels) the international Fascination of Plants Day will celebrate the role of plant science in the social, environmental and economic landscape now and into the future.

The Fascination of Plants Day at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden will take place on Friday 18 May from 10 am to 4.30 pm. 

The Fascination of Plants tours at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden will take place on Sunday 20 May from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm. 

Entry to both events is £3.50 adults; free to University staff and retired staff, Friends of the Botanic Garden, students and children under 16.