GARDENS OF WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE
ACCESS : All the following gardens are accessible.
ALSO SEE THE SECTIONS ON NATURE INCLUDING FLOWERS, TREES ETC NEAR THE END. This includes a section on WILD GARDENS - those areas of natural vegetation that are not managed or discuplined, at least not directly. index.asp?pageid=732154
This section highlights the gardens within West Dunbartonshire. These are almost all within parks already covered elsewhere and cross links are provided. Gardens come in a variety of forms. Some are almost incidental. Some landscape highlights are very seasonal. Community Gardens, those that are run by local community members and encourage others to participate in their care and propagation, have a very important role. All are well worth looking out for.
Where these are also covered within sections elsewhere on this website, cross links are given.
Most "gardens" impress or depress according to the impression they give of care and love of plants or abandonment. Yet considered planting in advance of the changing seasons can be very impressive. Monty Don said in an article (BBC Gardners World Oct 2023) : A garden that does not have poetry or art at its centre is simply not a good garden. This does not mean that you need sculptures or engraved words around your garden, but considered juxtaposition of colours and textures and massing to create enjoyable transition of impressions as you pass through it.
We do daffodils very well. These Council maintained daffodils were photographed in early April. The backdrop is the West Kirk in West Bridgend. ///logs.words.shapes
Spring blossoms at St Andrews Church in Alexandria.[The church was demolished in late 2022]. ///husband.heaven.countries
BALLOCH PARK & WALLED GARDEN
The Walled Garden is but a small part of the vast park, but it is where you will find a lovely array of flowers and shrubs. It is a favourite of those in the know when the sun is out and so is the wind. The high stone walls over a great deal of protection.
But don't limit yourself to sitting about here, peaceful though it can be. There are great walks around the grounds.
DALMUIR PARK
The duck pond is a bonus.
LEVENGROVE PARK
The main planting is around the fountain and presents a great scene particularly in spring.
MILBURN GARDEN PARK, RENTON
This park was designed by Christopher Palmer Associates on behalf of the Cordale Housing Association and Vale of Leven Community Nursery project from 1997-2000.
It was intended as more than just a park; for use as an outdoor classroom by the local nursery, Primary and Secondary schools.
The design included a number of artistic features such as carved log benches and pebble paving. The Milburn Burn runs through it. This area of Renton alongside the modern housing of the Cordale area is attractive and in some ways innovative and this was intended to complement it. High ideals were somewhat marred by a period of gross misuse and resultant damage, but with time, the environment has matured and is now again attractive.
A cluster of "standing stones".
https://christopherpalmerassociates.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/millburn-garden/
ROBIN HOUSE GARDEN
This excellent garden is within the grounds of Robin House hospice and there has limited public access, but watch out for their open days.
WILDVALE : http:// https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/lang-craigs/
