Can Botanics be voted Britain’s best?
It’s known and loved by thousands, but can the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) get enough votes to take the title of the best in Britain?
That is the challenge after hearing the news that our very own Botanics is a contender for the title “Garden of the Year” in the annual BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards. It’s the only Garden in Scotland to make the short list and ‘Botanics’ bosses are asking friends at home and abroad to come out and show their support by placing votes.
All votes must be cast by the January 31 and members of the public can make their mark by selecting their favourite garden – and 11 other categories, ranging from great heritage attractions to holiday destinations – by emailing awards@countryfile.com, by visiting the BBC Countryfile Magazine website at http://www.countryfile.com/article/garden-year-201415 or by post to BBC Countryfile Magazine, Tower House, Bristol, BS1 3BN.
Now in its fourth year, the high-profile award attracted more than 55,000 votes in 2014, when the accolade was claimed by RHS Wisley, Surrey. This year RBGE is up against four other world-renowned sites: The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall; Trentham Gardens, Stafford; Alnwick Garden, Northumbria and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in Surrey.
Welcoming the news that RBGE was in the running, Director of Enterprise Heather Jackson said: “This is a really good fun way to start the year. We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the award: and to be against such prestigious competition. It would be wonderful if our visitors and supporters would enter into the spirit of the event and take a few minutes to vote for us.”
The winner will be announced in the April issue of BBC Countryfile Magazine. Good luck, RBGE!