Scotland’s only annual orchid show and fair returns to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May 2023, with these exotic and often scented flowers promising a botanical feast for the senses. 

Held in the beautiful and historic Kibble Palace glasshouse, in association with the Scottish Orchid Society and the Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens, there will be displays of these flowering tropical plants by visiting orchid societies and much more. Alan MacKenzie of the Scottish Orchid Society said, “These glorious plants have become increasingly popular and we aim to showcase a wide variety of interesting orchids, many of which will have been grown as houseplants in UK homes by society members.” 

Alongside displays of flowering orchids, there will be educational stands with cultural advice and other information – all you need to know about these intriguing wonders of nature. Members of the Scottish Orchid Society will be on hand and delighted to answer any questions from budding orchid enthusiasts. 

The Scottish Orchid Society was originally founded in 1959 and caters for orchid lovers from all over Scotland and beyond. They are the only orchid society based in Scotland and are a group of people who are passionate about the hobby, growing and caring for plants whether tropical or native to the UK.

Orchids and other rarely-available tropical plants, along with accessories, will be on sale from the highly reputable and ethical British orchid nurseries Burnham Nurseries and Orchid Botanics. Cacti, succulents and carnivorous plants will also be available to purchase, at restricted times during the weekend event, from Pip’s Cactus and Scotland Carnivorous Plants.  

On Saturday afternoon there will be an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Glasgow Botanic Gardens greenhouses led by their Orchid Propagator, Christine Nicholson. Places will be limited and on a strictly first-come-first served basis, so be sure to head to the Scottish Orchid Society stand early to book your place. 

Other attendees include The Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and the Glasgow and District Beekeeping Association. There will be plenty of time to absorb the tropical ambience in the Kibble, surrounded by the National Collection of huge Australian tree ferns, and a peaceful walk through the Glasgow Botanic Gardens’ own orchid house will provide the perfect finish. 

Entry to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the Orchid Fair is free of charge so why not go along for a few hours’ tropical escape, right in the heart of Glasgow’s west-end? Doors open at 10am until 5pm on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May, at 730 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0UE. 

You can find full details of the Glasgow Botanic Gardens Orchid Fair and get in touch with the Scottish Orchid Society at www.scottishorchid.org.