Episode: Ireland Part 1
Date: 1st March
Story: Belfast Botanic Gardens
Presenter: Neville and Trevor
The Botanic Gardens is an important part of Belfast?s Victorian heritage and a popular meeting place for residents, students and tourists. Neville and Trevor discover the two most important buildings famous for its assorted tropical plants, mature trees and flower beds. ?

• The Palm House is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear and cast iron glasshouse. Its construction was initiated by the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society in the 1830s.
• The Palm House contains a range of tropical plants, hanging baskets and sensational displays.
• The dome is home to the most exotic trees, and is entwined with flowering climbers, hanging baskets and perimeter benches which are decorated with colourful plants.
• Massed plants are displayed in the cool wing, where seasonal displays include Schizanthus blooms, spring bulbs, flame nettles, cyclamens and chrysanthemums.
• The stove wing, which is hotter, contains a 'mini jungle' of exotic plants, including birds of paradise, frangipani and bromeliads.

• The garden is open 17 April-14 Aug and closes at 9pm. After this date closing times vary. Tropical Ravine and Palm House open: April-Sept 1pm-5pm, Oct-March 1pm-4pm.
  

Contact
Botanic Gardens and Palm House
Telephone: +44 (0)28 9031 4762
Fax: +44 (0)28 9032 4902
Email: botanicgardens@belfastcity.gov.uk
Website: www.belfastcity.gov.uk
Address: Botanic Gardens and Palm House, College Park Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Antrim, BT7 1LP