A Welcoming Place
The first recipient of the Green Flag Award in Dundee in 2007, the Barnhill Rock Garden is a public park extending to more than two hectares, owned and maintained by Dundee City Council with significant support from the Friends of the Barnhill Rock Garden. It is situated on part of a former nine-hole golf course which was laid out when the Dundee to Aberdeen railway line was built; is on the Visit Scotland tourist trail and is open to the public at all times
The Garden was started in 1955 by clearing an area of volcanic rock, which had at one time been the old shore line. Over the years it was extended eastwards over areas which had been sand dunes, and rock from Carmylie Quarry was used to form a large part of the garden. There were originally five natural springs and the lowest pond is the site of one of these, the others having dried up in 1976. In the 1980s, two new water features were added, creating a tranquil environment and a haven for wildlife.
Friends
The Friends of Barnhill Rock Garden is a formally constituted body with charitable status and acts as a support group, liaising with Dundee City Council's Environment Department on issues relating to the well-being of the garden
The Friends support the garden with financial help to provide seed, bulbs and plants to ensure the future of the long-established collection of plant material from all corners of the world. They also carry out various gardening activities throughout the year and maintain a number of borders which would otherwise be lost to cultivation. Although this kind of help is encouraged and appreciated, it is not a condition of membership!
Plants
Plants have come from many sources. The Friends of the Barnhill Rock Garden have donated seeds, cuttings and plants. The Scottish Rock Garden Club has also made generous donations. www.srgc.org.uk
Membership
Membership is open to all and the current membership subscription - £8 single - £10 family - enables members to take part in a varied programme of summer garden visits and winter talks (some of which are garden-related) as well as helping in the Garden..
If you would like to join the Friends and help their efforts to maintain and promote this special garden please download an application form or contact the Membership Secretary by e-mail: kategrocott@talk21.com
Combine a visit to the garden with seal-watching or bird-watching while enjoying beautiful views across the River Tay.
There are picnic tables and seats, and toilet facilities are nearby. There are no entrance fees.
There is easy car parking and the garden is only minutes walk from the nearest bus stop.
