Is there a Cactus House near you?

[Vic]

I'd have to agree with you Stuart regarding the smaller plant collection behind the hideous chicken mesh, I presume to stop people pinching them although who'd want to pinch any! Otherwise I think the planted out collection within the arid house is quite good, yes some mealies lurking etc., the Dracaena could do with a thorough clean but some very nice specimen plants, there were some really nice Aloes in flower etc.. during our Autumn Show in October. Also the planted out c&s bed outdoors was very impressive I think.

Here's a little reminder:

[Alistair Birnie]

Mike,

funnily enough, we've just returned to Aberdeen from a weekend in London where a visit to Kew was the main object. The new walkway in the tree canopy is recommended and the display of cacti and succulents in the Pricess of Wales Conservatory is better than I remember from my last visit in 1992. I can now agree that the arid house in the Winter Gardens in Aberdeen can be mentioned in the same breath as the display at Kew as there has been some recent sprucing up but we still have room for improvement.

[Vicky]

Please don't paint all botanical horticulturalist with that same brush. The vast majority are passionate about what they do and want the best for their collections. With the low wage that is paid, it has to be a calling!

Vicky
Studied at Kew 2003-2006

[Bill H]

I am sure there is a Cacti garden at the Botanic Gardens belonging to Dundee University. I haven't been there for a long time but I am in Dundee tomorrow so I will try and see if it is still open as there was word of it closing down.

[Iain]

Keep us posted Bill, and remember to take your camera!

[Bill H]

I ran out of time and never managed to get to the Botanic Gardens. Will have ago the next time I am in Dundee.

[Iain]

1)Has anyone here visited the arid house at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens near Exeter?
Worth a visit?
Also
2)Does anyone know of cactus collections available for public viewing in the Salisbury / New Forest /
Southampton areas?

I'm visiting family in July, and travelling from Scotland, so it's my last chance for a while.
Many thanks.