The hidden gem garden on the outskirts of Glasgow that is 'peaceful urban oasis'
It is home to more than 3,600 species of plants.
You don't have to journey deep into the countryside to enjoy a peaceful garden. To prove this point, the Daily Record has chosen an idyllic beauty spot just outside of Glasgow as our latest Walk of the Week.
Greenbank Garden is a 2.5-acre walled garden in East Renfrewshire that dates back to the 18th century. Situated on the edge of the suburban town of Clarkston, it is around just 10 miles from the centre of Scotland's biggest city.
Greenbank Garden surrounds Greenbank House, which is a Category A listed building. Open to the public, the garden is owned and operated by the National Trust for Scotland.
The walled garden was constructed at the same time as Greenbank House, with both bordered by tall beeches. Following the American Wars of Independence, its owner Robert Allason went bankrupt and lost the estate.
Today, according to the National Trust for Scotland, the aim of Greenbank Garden is to inspire visitors to grow a wide selection of plants and flowers in their own gardens. In total, there are said to be around 3,600 plants that call Greenbank home.
The National Trust for Scotland website states: "For gardening inspiration, Greenbank Garden is unbeatable. This surprising oasis of tranquillity and beauty is set less than a mile from Glasgow’s bustling Southside suburbs.
"It’s also an impressive celebration of West Coast domestic gardening, featuring more than 3,600 named species of plants."
The NTS also describes Greenbank Garden as "a peaceful urban oasis that delights the senses". The garden even features a café, where you can enjoy a light lunch or a sweet treat after admiring the plants.
See below for some photos of some of Greenbank Garden's standout features. More information can be found on the National Trust for Scotland website.
Meanwhile, anybody still after some travel inspiration can find a selection of some of the Daily Record's recent Walks of the Week:
The stunning Scottish coastal walk near 'best fish and chips in the UK'
The Edinburgh hidden gem garden perfect to escape the chaos of the Fringe Festival
The Scottish beach just outside of Edinburgh named 'best in the country'
The Scottish island walk that was named country's 'best hike' by experts
The Scottish beach walk that ends at award winning fish and chips
The 'virtually uninhabited' Scottish beach perfect for family summer day out
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Greenbank Garden surrounds Greenbank House, which was built in 1763. Once a private estate, the grounds are now open to the public.
(Image: Dbrooke1829, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)1 of 5
The garden has a traditional design, and features a number of wide grass paths that form a cross centred around a sundial. The unique structure, which is believed to date back hundreds of years, is a striking focal point.
(Image: Sundial, Greenbank Garden by Richard Sutcliffe, CC BY-SA 2.0)2 of 5
According to the National Trust for Scotland, there are around 3,600 species of plant dotted around the garden. It is easy to see why the organisation wants it to act as inspiration for visitors' own gardens.
(Image: Niches in the wall, Greenbank Garden by Richard Sutcliffe, CC BY-SA 2.0)3 of 5![]()
There are various ponds situated around the garden, which offer an idyllic backdrop. Visitors will find a number of benches too, perfect to sit and take in the tranquil atmosphere.
(Image: Pond, Greenbank Garden by Richard Sutcliffe, CC BY-SA 2.0)4 of 5![]()
One of the standout features of Greenbank Garden is the Foam statue, which stands in the middle of a specially designed pond. According to the National Trust for Scotland, "the fountains that play on Foam as she ’dances’ create a tranquil atmosphere in the garden".
(Image: LornaMCampbell, CC BY-SA 4.0)5 of 5
