Plant Power Day: become a plant scientist for a day

“Plant Power Day is your chance to be a plant scientist for a day... there will be something for the whole family”

Green-fingered families could all become plant scientists for the day this weekend as the James Hutton Institute and University of Dundee host a celebration of the power of plants.

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.

The free Plant Power Day event takes place on Saturday 25th May between 11am and 4pm and offers budding botanists the chance to see the University of Dundee Botanic Garden beautiful collection of trees and shrubs, glasshouses 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: “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. There will be something for the whole family.”

Plant Power Day will take place on Saturday 25th 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.