Our gardens are full of flowers that originated in the Mediterranean, their colours and scents reminding us of sun-baked hillsides, resonating with the ringtones of cicadas. With the increasing reality of global warming, these beautiful and fascinating plants are beginning to gain more than a toehold in the naturalised flora of southern Britain. The theoretical part of this two-day course will look at the full global distribution of the Mediterranean flora but will focus predominantly on the Mediterranean basin itself. We will consider the benefits and constraints of the Mediterranean climate and the remarkable and varied adaptations adopted by the plants that have evolved to cope with it. In addition, we will recognise the role played by many key Mediterranean species in the origins and development of western society. Our focus will be the flora of the Mediterranean Basin with reference to specific locations.

The Botanic Garden has many wonderful examples of Mediterranean flowers, notably of course in its beds devoted to the Mediterranean. The practical part of the course on day 1 will involve a tour of the Mediterranean beds (led by expert horticultural staff member Paul Aston) and we will consider the major families that dominate the Mediterranean Flora. On day 2 much time will be spent focusing on the identification features of the more familiar and popular species as well as those that are more unusual.

What to bring:

• A hand-lens (x10) – these can be borrowed or purchased (at £8.75)
• Picnic lunch though this is available from the Garden Café
• Suitable outdoor clothing and shoes plus sunhat and sunscreen if appropriate
• A bottle for water
• Pen, pencils, and notebook

Ros Bennett is a freelance botanist and ecologist. She has been teaching courses on plant identification to professionals, amateurs, and beginners from all age groups for over 40 years, both at home and abroad.

Ros will be assisted by Paul Aston, Team Leader of Horticultural Displays, who is responsible for the Mediterranean Garden beds amongst others.