Public Servant Lifestyle

The Hidden Gardens

The Hidden Gardens project - one of Glasgow's first permanent public gardens - is also a Scottish first for the 21st century.

The site transforms an angular, derelict 5,000 square metre industrial site, in south Glasgow's East Pollokshields district (behind the world renowned Tramway Arts Centre) into a contemplative open space where the diverse communities of the city and visitors alike can find respite in a busy urban environment.

A series of artworks (including land sculpture, installation, poetry and storyelling) form an inegral part of the overall design, with spaces suitable for both private and programmed public use.

Celebrating Diversity

The starting point for the design programme and horticultural approach to The Hidden Gardens was the celebration of diversity - through flowers, plants, trees and texts, as well as humanity and the promotion of a deeper understanding of nature through international horticultural traditions.

The resulting environmental resource seeks to cut across all dogmatic divisions of age, background and ethnicity, whilst expressing the site's unique character, through the richness of its many layers built up over time. The design incorporates references to the pre-industrial origins of the site, and also reflects its industrial history from its roots as a commercial nursery, from 1820-64, through to a tram and car works, after the industrial revolution.

Planting combinations have taken into consideration the continued natural succession of native plants on the site; the establishment of relationships between similar species of plants from different parts of the world and the proposition of exotic species that have cultural or personal significance to local organisations and individuals. The Botanical Gardens in both Edinburgh and Glasgow have each offered horticultural support in this process.

The garden also includes productive planting, such as herbs and fruiting plants, with small garden plots available for different groups to grow their vegetables of choice.

Educational Resources

The Hidden Gardens are currently developing an education programme for primary age children, watch the 'Gardens' website for further developments.

The 'Gardens are available for hire, are fully accessible for people with disabilities, there's also a cafe (including disabled toilets and baby changing facilities). Entry to the Hidden Gardens is free.

The Hidden Gardens enjoys the support of a number of partner organisations, among them: the New Opportunities Fund, Garfield Weston Trust, Glasgow City Council, the Gulbenkian Foundation, The Scottish Arts Council, the Scottish Executive (Ethnic Minorities Grant Scheme) and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Opening Times

Winter (October - April)
Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Sunday: 12pm - 4pm

Summer (May - September)
Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 12pm - 6pm
Monday: closed

For more information on the Hidden Gardens - and to plan your visit - take a look at the website here.

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