Foreword

Simon Milne

doi:10.24823/sibbaldia.2021.384

Abstract

The Foreword is written by Simon Milne MBE FRSE, Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. He introduces this special edition of Sibbaldia that documents the proceedings of The Sibbaldia & PlantNetwork Conference 2020. The Conference was a major event in the celebration of the 350th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), with the primary aim of promoting excellence in botanic garden horticulture. That aim was most certainly achieved thanks to the impressive line-up of speakers and their expertise, combined with the enthusiasm and interaction of all participants. The Conference was held online due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and whilst in-person contact was absent, the virtual format enabled a broader range of delegates to attend.A total of 250 delegates gathered in their virtual space from 28 to 30 October to hear from ten keynote speakers in the main sessions, seven presenters in two parallel sessions and a broad range of expert practitioners in the free session, and for the grand finale – ‘Horticulture in 2020’. The themes ranged from conservation, curation and cultivation to heritage, plant health and education. The insightful papers contained within this volume artfully weave together these themes, reflecting their connectivity. The depth of botanical, horticultural and pedagogical experience is outstanding, the content of the papers reflecting the authors’ vast experience and knowledge.

Highlights

Much has been written about the abundance of doctors, researchers and teachers associated with RBGE who investigated the plant world, among them James Sutherland, John Hope (Regius Keeper 1761–1786) and the Balfours
There are exceptions, including the 18th-century gardener John Williamson who was hugely valued by the fourth Regius Keeper, John Hope
Perhaps it is time to introduce the term ‘plantology’ in its place? Kate Hughes embraced technology and describes how the 250 delegates contributed to this interactive session through a real-time online survey

Summary

Introduction

Much has been written about the abundance of doctors, researchers and teachers associated with RBGE who investigated the plant world, among them James Sutherland, John Hope (Regius Keeper 1761–1786) and the Balfours. Less has been written about the people who cared for the plants – without whom there would be no Garden. There are exceptions, including the 18th-century gardener John Williamson who was hugely valued by the fourth Regius Keeper, John Hope.

Results

Conclusion