
- This event has passed.
Geilston Garden and Glenarn, Argyll – CANCELLED
May 16, 2020 : 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
£16.50


Due to the coronavirus this meeting has been cancelled.
Contact organiser: Colin Carmichael at scotland@pgg.org.uk or tel: 01887 829731 for more details.
PGG visit to Geilston Garden and Glenarn
Geilston Garden
Punches of colour, tasty vegetables and a succession of seasonal plants make this a classic garden with a vibrant feel. Geilston is typical of the small country estates on the banks of the Clyde, and has offered a tranquil haven for over 200 years. The kitchen garden springs to life in April and May, and later in the season you can buy our delicious fresh fruit and vegetables.
Geilston is celebrated for its landscaping, which harmonises nature and cultivation. At the centre is the walled garden, dating back to 1797, dominated by a mammoth Wellingtonia tree. Be inspired by the 40m long herbaceous perennial border, or wander into wilder territory down by the Geilston Burn to connect with nature.
Children will love the playground, floral mini-maze and exploring the bluebell woods along the Geilston Burn.
Glenarn
The grounds at Glenarn, approximately 12 acres, were laid out in the 1850s. There is not much evidence of a garden: lawns were formed at the front and side, a paddock for the carriage horses was provided at the rear and subsequently became the vegetable patch. However, the defining feature is the network of paths that follow the burn, and wind their way up small glens and around the property. It was almost as if Andrew McGeorge, the first owner, was creating a miniature highland estate.
The Gibson family, the third owners, arrived in 1927 and using the Victorian structure created a west coast garden with rhododendrons, magnolias, eucryphias, and a host of other plants. They developed the vegetable patch and laid out a rock garden. They also hybridised large leafed rhododendrons which give a particular character to the garden. By the time, the fourth owners, saw Glenarn in 1983 the garden had become overgrown and neglected. They set about its restoration which they have been pursuing ever since.
Visit www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk
Programme
10.00am – 10.30am. Meet at Geilston Garden.
10.30am. Introduction and guided tour of the garden with Head Gardener and PGG member, Alison Farrell.
12.30 – 1.00pm. Lunch – bring your own, picnic tables are near the reception hut.
2pm. Visit Glenarn, guided tour of the gardens with the owners Mike and Sue Thornley.
4pm. Tea/coffee and home baking.
5pm. Awa hame for tea.
Directions
Geilston Garden
Take the A814 from Cardross towards Helensburgh. The entrance is on the right after leaving Cardross village.
OS Ref: NS340783
Postcode/Satnav to Geilston Garden: G82 5HD
Glenarn
From Helensburgh take the A814 along the coast to Rhu. Immediately after the entrance to Rhu Marina on the left, Pier Road comes down from the right. There is a yellow and black “Garden Open” sign at the end of the bus stop on the left and a red pillar post box at the bottom of Pier Road. Go up Pier Road about 200 yards to Glenarn Road, the first public road on the right with another “Garden Open sign”. Go to the end of Glenarn Road, to the garden entrance. Turn and facing the way out, park on the left hands side (houses side) of the road avoiding the entrance drives.
Postcode/Satnav to Glenarn: G84 8LL
Cost
Cost will be £16.50 a head which covers entrance to both gardens, guided tours and tea/coffee with home baking on departure.
NB. Entry is free to NTS/NT members to Geilston bring along your membership card, the cost will be £11.50 a head, do not book online to get the discounted rate but send me an attendance slip and cheque please for the lower amount.
Children free.
Booking
Due to the coronavirus this meeting has been cancelled.
Contact organiser: Colin Carmichael at scotland@pgg.org.uk or tel: 01887 829731 for more details.
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