Brunel was a nature lover as well as being an acclaimed engineer. The new garden,Ìý has been created by Bristol Zoo Gardens, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust and the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on the Clifton side of the Suspension Bridge. It will be home to nine wild plants with an important historical and conservation association to the city of Bristol and Brunel including the Bristol onion, Bristol rock cress, and the little autumn squill. "In 1831, the Clifton Suspension Bridge was due to be built on a site where the autumn squill grew," said John Mitchell, the Bridge Master. "Mrs Glennie (the wife of Brunel's assistant) warned the great engineer that the construction would destroy these rare plants. So Brunel had the bulbs dug up and replanted further along the Gorge." The Avon Gorge is famous for its rare plants which include the Bristol rock-cress and the Bristol onion which grow nowhere else in the UK.
 | | The garden can be seen from the bridge |
"The delicate beauty of these plants can be easily overlooked as many grow high up on the Gorge's rocky ledges so people cannot easily see them," said Eddie Mole, Curator of Horticulture at Bristol Zoo Gardens. "These are rare beauties are truly a national wildlife treasure.Ìý When visitors come to see Brunel's magnificent bridge they will also be able to see and find out about these extraordinary plants." Like all well tended gardens in the spring the Brunel GardenÌýwill look quite new in April, however different plants will flower throughout the year bring seasonal interest. Scientist, historian and broadcaster Adam Hart-Davis was given the honour of putting the finishing touches to the Brunel garden - trowel in hand he ceremonially bedded in some rare autumn squill to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Brunel's birth. | 
