The Garden continues to winter well, and preparations are well underway for the reopening on 31 March, Julia Corden, the Explorers' Garden Manager, told Comment.

The large drifts of Primula denticulata (Drumstick Primula) are flowering in dazzling purple, white and reds (collected by Thomas Thomson) and the resident red squirrels are very active at the moment. They are best spotted from George Forrest Pavilion in the China section of the garden.

Julia commented: “I’ve been busy restocking the plant centre area with a larger range of plants to include Rhododendrons and the Wood Anemones in different shades. The rare and unusual Primula whiteii is just coming into flower by the burn and must be one of the largest plantings in Britain!”