Geilston Gardens – 5 Little-Known Facts About The Hidden Garden

Geilston Gardens was once a private residence and now is cared by National Trust for Scotland. Walled garden, the woodland area, the apple orchard in Autumn and even the vegetable garden are going to inspire you.

A FEW FUN FACTS:

200-year-old garden on the banks of the River Clyde.
Giant rhubarb is growing along with a burn – its leaves can grow as large as an eagle’s wingspan.
In 18th century owned by a Glaswegian tobacco lord James Donald
Kitchen Garden with seasonal produce to buy
Operated by National Trust of Scotland

A well-hidden gem on the banks of the River Clyde in Cardross near Helensburgh. A 200-year-old garden, Geilston is typical of the small country estates in the mid 18th century Scotland.

THE ESTATE

Geilston gardens and the estate reflects the history of Glasgow and its expansion in wealth during the 18th and 19th century. James Donald bought the estate in the mid 18th century, he made money by importing tobacco from Virginia and exported manufactured goods in return. From 1710 Glasgow became the centre of an economic boom. As the city got more densely populated, the wealthy merchants like James Donald started exploring the outskirts of Glasgow along the banks of the River Clyde to settle. The area around Helensburgh was ideal due to its picturesque scenery and close proximity to Glasgow.

THE GARDENS

Geilston Gardens covers 10 acres, the walking route is designed in such way that your journey through it awakens all of your senses. From the flower maze to an apple orchard, through the woodland walk along the burn into the walled garden, it offers interest for everyone. There is free parking, and the entrance is free for Members of National Trust Scotland, click here to check the opening time and ticket prices.

We started the walk exploring the maze first. I really like the idea of the flower maze, just wish it would be the adult size, I think little kids would have a great time running through it. As soon as we escaped the maze, we found ourselves and the impressive vegetable garden. It made me want to start growing some vegetables asap. I mean, have you ever seen artichoke as a plant? Plant it once, and it will provide crop year after year. Its sculptural form will undoubtedly make a statement in any garden, not to mention that it’s one of my favourite snacks!

THE TOBACCO TRADE

The tobacco trade was part of broader trade that linked exports of consumer and manufactured goods from Europe with the North American and Caribbean colonies. Operated with slave labour, these colonies supplied products that found a ready market in Britain and the rest of Europe . The triangle involved merchants carrying UK manufactured goods to West Africa to sell or exchange for slaves which they transported on to America and the Caribbean. On the third leg back to the UK they carried tobacco, rum, cotton, sugar and the like. (Ref. Wikipedia)

HOW TO GET HERE

Address: Main Road, Cardross, Scotland, G82 5HD

By Bus: 1B (run by ‘First Bus’)

By Train: Glasgow-Helensburgh (direct line)

By Car: On A814 at west end of Cardross

Feeling inspired by the all the veg you then enter an apple orchard and its so, so pretty. It reminded me of my childhood days. I was spending summers in our cottage house playing in the shade of a tree and later in the season harvesting them and baking apple pies every night!

A little stream, or burn, runs through the site through the woodland area. Follow the path to discover to the old mill with a small waterfall and the giant rhubarb - a spectacular scene as if you stepped in the world of Alice in Wonderland. If you follow the path, you will discover a stunning walled garden with the beautiful prairie borders full of colour, texture and wonderful smell.

The walled garden is picturesque and offers plenty of places to sit and enjoy as well as the picnic area- so make sure to grab a flask of tea and a sandwich with you. Usually, there are plants and produce for sale – something that we missed out on, however, we will be back again many times more and so looking forward to it!

When planning a trip to Geilston also consider to combine it with a visit to a world-famous Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House.