The year 2026 marks a quarter of a century since Ray Cox embarked on a career as a photographer, specialising in gardens and plants.

In 2001 he picked up his camera to start a journey that was to lead him across the length and breadth of Scotland and, more latterly, across the border into northern England.

The UK has a wealth of choice and rich diversity when it comes to gardens, and the northern regions of our island, not forgetting the islands off the mainland, are no exception. Ray feels incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to capture these wonderful places, often located in stunning surroundings, requiring drives through breathtaking landscape to get there.

And to meet the talented, dedicated and invariably friendly people who have often spent years and endless energy creating these spaces. Ray usually gets to visit at a time of year when these gardens peak in order to spend a few hours losing himself through the camera viewfinder in an attempt to distil the magic in the form of a humble photograph.

The talk will be based around a feast of photos taken over the years of a selection of gardens and plants stretching from Shetland to Yorkshire, from Aberdeenshire to Cumbria and a host of places in between.

Further information can be found on Ray’s website - Ray Cox Photography

As with all our lectures, the event will take place at the Zoology Building Lecture Theatre at the University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Ave, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ. Entry is free for members of the Friends. Non-members are welcome to join for a £3 donation to help support the lecture series and the Garden. Refreshments are provided afterwards, and Friends are encouraged to socialise and have the opportunity to chat to the speaker.