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Glenarn: Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute
Glenarn is a private garden initially made famous for its collection of species rhododendrons created by the Gibson family. Established in the 1920s on the structure of the original Victorian garden, it lies in a protected hollow with a steeply sloping glen running its length and providing shelter for large-leaved and tender rhododendrons. Early in the spring, tall Asiatic magnolias create dramatic interest while other plants such as crinodendrons, eucryphias and acers provide colour at different times. The large rock garden, now deer fenced, built round the old quarry and natural rock outcrops provides habitats for meconopsis, primulas, paeonias and many bulbs. Below the greenhouse there is a vegetable and fruit garden providing produce for the house. Work is continuing, clearing the west-facing bank above Sunnyside in order to plant a succession of deciduous azaleas.
How to find us
2 miles north of Helensburgh on A814. At Rhu Marina, turn up Pier Road and first right to Glenarn Road. At the roadend the garden is the left hand gateway. Please park outside the gate unless there are mobility impaired visitors. Scotrail services connect Helensburgh to Glasgow and Edinburgh direct. There are buses along the A814 from and to Helensburgh hourly and taxis from Helensburgh Station.
Location
Highlights
- Spring heralded by early rhododendrons, daffodils and huge Asiatic magnolias
- A multi coloured garden in early summer
- A wide range of species rhododendrons, some rare and endangered
- Meconopsis, paeonias, bulbs and unusual herbaceous plants in the rock garden
- A white garden in late summer - eucryphias and hoherias
Guided tours
Guided tours available to groups by prior arrangement.
Group visits
Guided tours and group visits available to pre booked parties by prioe arrangement. Catering (coffee/ tea/ homebaking) available by arrangement throughout garden open season.
Volunteering / internships opportunites
Season ticket £15.00 pp
Promotional Themes
- Meconopsis and Woodland Gardens
- Daffodil Displays
Opening Times
Monday: dawn to dusk Tuesday: dawn to dusk Wednesday: dawn to dusk Thursday: dawn to dusk Friday: dawn to dusk Saturday: dawn to dusk Sunday: dawn to duskDates closed
Closed from 22nd September to 20th March each yearAdmission prices
Adult: £5.00 Child: free if under 16 Concession: £5.00 Membership: £15.00 per annumFacilities
Accessible parking Dog friendly Assistance Dogs Toilet on request. Free garden leaflets are available, produced each year covering a different theme.Address
Glenarn, Glenarn Road Rhu Helensburgh ,G84 8LLE-mail
[email protected]Phone
01436 820493 -
GLENARN SPECIAL CHARITY PLANT SALE AND OPEN DAY
April 28th, 2019 - April 28th, 2019Glenarn Garden opening for Festival of Rhododendrons
April 1st, 2019 - May 31st, 2019