u3a

Glasgow West End

Visiting Gardens

Status:Active, open to new members
Coordinator:
When: By arrangement

Barshaw Walled Peace Garden in Paisley is set in woodland at the north-eastern corner of Barshaw Park, It is a beautiful space maintained by the ‘Friends of Barshaw Park’ and it is well worth a visit.

It was opened by Bruce Kent of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. The Peace pole was erected in 2013 and it is here, every year on 6th August ,that those who died in Hiroshima and Nagasaki are remembered.

The Visiting Gardens group had a superb day out in May to Ross Priory at Gartocharn on the south bank of Loch Lomond.

We saw a wonderful variety of rhododendrons and azaleas which were at their best. In addition, the border plantings of herbaceous perennials and shrubs were outstanding especially the blue Himalayan poppies The extensive walled garden was looking particularly splendid in the glorious sunshine. There was also an abundance of wildflowers in the uncut grassy areas. And the views north over Loch Lomond towards Ben Lomond were magnificent.

In Spring 2025 we had a return visit to Glasgow Botanic Gardens with a very informative tour led by Ishbel Leddy of Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens.

Highlights included the rare monkey puzzle which is now an endangered species in its native Chile and also the National Collection of Tree Ferns.

In June 2024 we visited Dr Neil's Garden in Edinburgh.

Drs Andrew and Nancy Neil began work in 1963 on part of the Duddingston Glebe (church land) and Dr Neil’s Garden was born. There was a huge amount of work involved in changing this land into these colourful terraces overlooking Duddingston Loch.

(Interestingly, part of the land is given over to allotments, one of which is looked after by Edinburgh U3A!)

(Please send a message to Moira using the link above if you would like to take part in future visits.)

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