The Maryhill Park Community Garden is located on a previously derelict site adjacent to disused municipal bowling greens and tennis courts (under refurbishment). Early in 2016 a small group of volunteers from Friends of Maryhill Park (FOMP), with support from the Glasgow City Council Stalled Spaces initiative, set about clearing and refurbishing the site as a community growing space. The first phase of the project was completed later that year, and the community garden is now available for use by local residents and groups.
Wherever possible we have used locally-resourced/recycled materials to construct various features. Raised beds are made from used scaffold boards. Gazebos and growing frames are purpose built from scaffold poles and rebar mesh. Our “garden shed” is a secure, heavy-duty steel shipping container, and the water tower is made from used 45 gallon drums. The recently-added rockery area uses old sandstone blocks from a local chimney, and the multi-story bug hotel is an old steel utilities cabinet.
The growing space is open all hours and visitors are welcome to wander around and enjoy. We run a free “Adopt-a-Bed” scheme each season for anyone wishing tend one of the raised beds for grow-your-own flowers, fruit & vegetables. FOMP volunteers are usually present at regular Sunday afternoon sessions to provide advice and assistance to those new to gardening.
The community garden is part of a range of conservation and environmental projects currently undertaken by FOMP volunteers helping to maintain and enhance this old Glasgow park.