About The Garden
Located on the scenic Broughty Ferry coastline, Barnhill Rock Garden is a tranquil haven for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike. Established in the 1950s, this beautifully maintained public garden showcases an array of alpine, perennial, and shrub plants thoughtfully arranged among striking rock features.
With its diverse plant collection and peaceful atmosphere, the garden is a cherished green space for visitors to explore, unwind, and connect with nature.
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.
History
Barnhill Rock Garden is situated on part of a former nine-hole golf course, which was laid out when the Dundee to Aberdeen railway line was built.
When the Esplanade was constructed in 1895, the course was established, on advice from golfer Tom Morris, with four holes west of Bridge Street – now the Rock Garden – and five holes to the east.
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. The lower ponds were created in 1982, and the upper ponds in 1985. They have separate water circulating systems.
The Geddes Glasshouse
The Glasshouse, gifted to the Friends of Barnhill Rock Garden, originally formed part of an artwork by Slovenian artist Apolonija Šušteršič. commissioned by Dundee Contemporary Arts for the exhibition “Our Surroundings” (May-July 2005).
Situated by the river on a plot of undeveloped land adjacent to the Tay Road Bridge this unique space provided a place for the people of Dundee to come together and meet, to talk, think about and debate the future development of the city.
It now stands in a woodland setting at the Barnhill Rock Garden with outstanding panoramic views over the garden to the River Tay and has been developed by the Friends as a multi-purpose building offering visitors an attractive and informative interpretation point. The glasshouse also provides a base for staging a wide variety of community events. Opened in 2007, the Geddes Glasshouse has hosted a programme of children’s events, poetry readings, art classes & environmental events.
The Friends acknowledge the support of Dundee Contemporary Arts whose gift of the glasshouse made this project possible, the National Lottery – Awards for All – for providing generous financial support and the Leisure & Communities Department of Dundee City Council for the provision of a prime site, undertaking the site preparation and allied works and services.
If you are a member of a group that is looking for a venue to hold a meeting or event of community interest perhaps the Geddes Glasshouse is the place for you. There are no hire charges, but donations towards the upkeep would be most welcome.
For more information, or to make a booking please contact:
Michael Laird
07985 878515
or email to events.activities@dundeecity.gov.uk
