Timeline

Explore the history of The Hidden Gardens

2022

Celebrating Diversity

In 2022 we welcomed the end of lockdown, with a plethora of events that celebrated diversity in all of its forms. From garden events that campaigned for the protection of biodiversity ('Growing Greener', 'Picnic in the Gardens', 'Insect Interactions'), to our programme for Black History Month ('Seeds of Change', 'Djembe Food and Stories').
2021

COP26

During COP26 Glasgow The Hidden Gardens were privileged to host the Sacred Flame for the Climate Emergency by Minga Indígena, and work with partners to amplify the voices of Indigenous peoples from across the America’s and their call to action that “we are all guardians of biodiversity”.
2020

South City Way Planters

In 2020 we installed beautiful planters on the South City Way, to celebrate the development of the new 2.5km long, cycle route in the South of Glasgow, by Sustrans Scotland.
2019

The Potager

Created in 2019 The Potager is an ornamental kitchen garden filled with many kinds of fruits and vegetables.
2018

An Outdoor Classroom

Local school groups, community groups and visitors to The Hidden Gardens events participate in outdoor learning in all year round. Learning about food growing, home for nature, biodiversity and recycling waste.
2017

Men’s Group

The Men’s Group is a weekly activity based group bringing together men from all backgrounds. Activities are chosen by the group and have included foraging, mindfulness, tai chi, cooking and trips. Initially delivered in partnership with Crossroads it has since been delivered in partnership with Glasgow Mental Health Network.
2016

The World Is Ours

A fireside gathering attended by over 400 people, on International Migrants Day. Hosting a moment of togetherness in recognition of the struggles of migrants across the world as well as their positive contributions to our society. As Scotland’s first neutral sanctuary greenspace dedicated to peace alongside Wipe The Tears, The Glendale Women’s Café, Refuweegee & Diversity Arts we brought together people of all faiths, nationalities, ethnicities to create a positive moment.
2015

Tai Chi on the Lawn

A friendly welcoming outdoor community exercise class open to adults of all ages and abilities. Tai Chi combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements that are gentle on the joints and muscles. There is a herbal tea break and chance to chat.
2014

Voluntours

Our team of wonderful volunteers offer free guided tours of the history, plants and wildlife that make The Hidden Gardens such a unique space.
2013

Help Yourself Grow

Help Yourself Grow supports people with a learning disability to use their skills, talents and abilities to contribute to community life whilst responding to their ambitions and aspirations. Help Yourself Grow is an initiative devised by Fair Deal and delivered in partnership with The Hidden Gardens.
2012

Culture Kitchen presents Food Tells A Story

As part of Merchant City Festival, 12 Glasgow women took charge of Café Cossachok’s kitchen to serve up food their mothers and grandmothers taught them to make, creating a unique communal dining experience encompassing performance installation and celebration.
2011

Launch of Wildflower Meadow

Painstakingly researched and created over a three-year period, the Wildflower Meadow was unveiled at Doors Open Day 2011. The Meadow was designed to increase biodiversity and attract more bees & butterflies into the Gardens.
2010

Refugee Week Celebration

In partnership with South East Integration Network, The Hidden Gardens has hosted Refugee Week Celebration for a number of years. The event highlights pertinent issues for refugees and asylum seekers whilst celebrating the diverse community we live in.
2009

Volunteers planting

Our dedicated gardening volunteers carry out invaluable work in keeping the Gardens looking their best, whilst learning and sharing skills, improving health and wellbeing and making friends.
2008

Daffodil picking in Spring

Daffodils heralding the beginning of a new growing season! With over 6,000 bulbs growing in the Gardens, we shared our blooms at the local farmers market.
2007

Parent & Toddler Group

The Parent & Toddler group ran till 2015 and aimed to create opportunities for parents and children from different backgrounds to meet and socialise, as well as creating access to other services and support in the area.
2006

Artist Residency: Rachel Mimiec

Stressed commuters were soothed by lavender given out by the artist as part of a two year residency at the Gardens.
2005

Fragrant

A three day festival of flowers. Illuminated walkways, performances and sound and light installations surrounded the centrepiece dried garland, facilitated by artist Jyll Bradley and created by the local community using flowers from 40,000 plants.
2004

Festivals of Light

The Hidden Gardens became animated by a series of light installations, performances and other activities reflecting a variety of cultures and also celebrating: Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Chanukah & Advent.
2003

The Hidden Gardens nearing completion

Following 18 months of consultation with the surrounding local communities; NVA created its only permanent art installation – Scotland’s first Sanctuary Gardens dedicated to peace; opened on 21 June 2003. Since then an average of 20,000 people per year have enjoyed this multi-award-winning greenspace.
1890s–1960s

Tramworks

The Coplawhill Tram Works and Depot opened in 1899 and was built in stages from 1894 onwards by engineer William Clark. Initially the building housed horses as the tram cars were horse driven till the tram system was electrified in 1901. The works were equipped for building nearly the whole of the new electric cars required and for repairing them.
1800s

Tree Nursery

In the early 19th century, this site was a commercial nursery where trees were grown for big mansions like Pollok House.