Last weekend a group of Cowal gardeners was treated to a horticultural masterclass courtesy of Glenfinart Walled Garden’s resident gardener, Glyn Toplis. The hands-on classes are part of the garden’s ‘drop-in’ days organised by Ardentinny Community Trust to encourage Cowal residents and visitors to participate in its community garden.

Glyn, with his extensive horticultural experience of some 30 years, offered a very useful and entertaining insight into the world of weeds and their control. Walking around the garden, Glyn provided the group with tips on the best ways of eradicating specific weeds whilst considering both the weed above ground and the root system below. He also illustrated how certain plants can be weakened by the weed.

Asked about the composting of weeds, Glyn gave an outline as to which could be composted successfully. He also showed the group samples of plants in and around the walled garden which would have originally been ornamental plants, but now, due to their wild profusion, have become a garden nuisance.

The theme of the next Masterclass at the Walled Garden is ‘Summer Flowering Plants’ on Saturday 14 June at 2pm. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

Glenfinart Walled Garden is open daily noon until 4pm. Visitors and volunteers are most welcome. Entry is free. Location map here.

Later this month Glenfinart Walled Garden’s resident gardener Glyn Toplis begins a series of horticultural masterclasses for aspiring walled garden volunteers and visitors alike. The topic of the first session, which takes place on Saturday May 24th at 2pm, is ‘Weeds and Weed Control’. This will be followed in June with a masterclass on ‘Summer Flowering Plants’.

Glyn, a graduate in ecology from the University of Lancaster, has some 30 years’ experience in horticulture. Initially running garden centres and nurseries, he later spent 9 years at Westonbirt, England’s National Arboretum.

For the past 12 years Glyn was Garden and Nursery Manager at Ardkinglas Estate, Argyll. Now, in addition to his 3 days a week at Glenfinart Walled Garden, Glyn also works 2 days a week at The National Trust for Scotland’s Crarae Gardens, Minard.

Ardentinny Community Trust is keen to encourage those with an interest in gardening and the outdoors to come along to learn a new green skill and to help out at the garden. Maybe you’d like to volunteer, but consider yourself a novice in all things horticultural? Don’t worry, Glyn and the other volunteers will be more than happy to offer practical, friendly help and advice.

Tasks can range from planting, strimming, hoeing and weeding to guiding visitors around the garden; encouraging the gardeners of tomorrow in the unique Children’s Garden; and even manning the garden’s display at local events such as the Blairmore Market.

Tea, coffee and Glenfinart’s famous home baking will be provided to all volunteers. The garden opens from 11am until 4pm on the day. So why not come along, bring the family and learn a new skill in a beautiful, tranquil setting!

For more information contact Lynn on 01369 810275 or Jimmy on 01369 810170, or simply pop in on Saturday May 24th.

Glenfinart Walled Garden looked stunning over the Easter weekend as Ardentinny Community Trust volunteers welcomed many visitors. The season opening of the garden was part of Forestry Commission Scotland’s ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’ at Glenfinart Bay, Ardentinny.

Throughout the afternoon the garden was bathed in bright sunshine with families taking full advantage of the weather and the beautiful surroundings. Hundreds of daffodils and tulips lined the path into the garden which continued with beautiful swathes of yellow in the orchard.

The volunteers have worked wonders over the past few months. Despite the storms which flooded much of the garden in January, paths have been surfaced; the production beds edged; and lots of plants are now being ‘brought on’ in the polytunnel.

The innovative Children’s Garden has been transformed with lots of planting. Flower and veg beds (with headboards and duvets) have been established and a new conical ‘tipi’, made from branches, will act as a structure for growing nasturtium and other flowers. ‘Elfin Cottage’, the ever popular kids’ hideaway, proved a hit with the younger visitors who also enjoyed planting up and taking away their own sunflowers when they were not painting Easter bunnies in the cabin.

For the more senior visitor there were healthy, organic plants for sale; the most delicious home baking to take away or wash down at the tea tent; and a stroll or a seat in one of the most tranquil and attractive spots on the Cowal peninsula.

Glenfinart Walled Garden is open 7 days a week from 12.00 – 16.00hrs. Admission is free.

Preparing for the season opening of Glenfinart Walled Garden on Monday, volunteers from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park were hard at work “doing the weeding” this past week. Thanks go to John, Ian and Roy who were assisted by resident gardener Glyn.

Also on hand was children’s garden creator, Claire and her son Finlay (11) as well as Michael, Chloe (8) and Rebecca (11) from Dunoon and Grace, who brought along Gabriella (7) to help with the weeding in the Kid’s area.,

All the volunteers were rewarded with a feast of Glenfinart Garden’s now famous, home-baking ( as sampled by the stars of Beechgrove!).. pancakes, victoria sponge, fruit loaf and Mars Bar crispies!

Thank you all.

Glenfinart Walled Garden is open from Monday 21 April, 7 days a week from 12.00 – 16.00hrs. Admission is free.

Glenfinart Walled Garden reopens for the new season this Easter Monday. The garden will feature a range of activities for all the family, adding to the fun of the Forestry Commission Scotland’s Easter Eggstravaganza at Glenfinart Bay, Ardentinny. A selection of home-baking will be available as well as fun and games for the young ones in the Children’s Garden.

The garden is open 7 days a week, 12.00 – 16.00hrs until 29 September.