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.