University of Glasgow - Research - Research units A-Z - Environmental Science and Sustainability

Amy McCreadie - Teaching Garden - 1400x400

The Teaching Garden

Right here on the Dumfries Campus you’ll find the Teaching Garden: a hands-on outdoor classroom and a relaxing place to hang out. Initially funded through support from Scotland and the EU, our Teaching Garden is all about learning, growing, and enjoying nature.

Students and staff use the space to explore how plants change with the seasons, identify local wildlife, and run experiments on plant growth and habitats. We even team up with the SRUC Research Farm just over the hedge - and other sites around the region - for extra fieldwork opportunities.

But it’s not just for science! Anyone can get involved: drop by to help with planting or weeding whenever you like, join the gardening club, enter competitions, or just chill among the flowers. We grow herbs and veggies too, and volunteers can take some home to eat.

Follow what's going on, find out about events, and share your own photos on Instagram @uofgdumfriesgarden

For more information, or if you would like to get involved, contact Dr. Michael Muir

Aims and Objectives

This garden provides a resource for:

Public and student education on the environmental effects of climate change
Redevelopment of and improvement of the Crichton Campus grounds in a manner in keeping with the Campus’ history
Education on plant identification and horticulture
Ecologically-relevant data to enhance teaching of statistical techniquesInitiation of a network of Phenology Gardens across the UK
An extended range of Campus events
The Campus Community to gather and consider our region’s natural and cultural history

The project aims are being met by through objectives that include provision of five garden zones:

1) Phenology Zone

2) Experimental Zone

3) Woodland Zone

4) Medicinal Herbs Zone

5) A Greenhouse