Greenbank nears completion of daffodil restoration project
Greenbank Garden is home to one of Scotland’s most impressive daffodil collections, boasting over 500 varieties. The Donate a Daffodil appeal was launched in 2023 by Head Gardener Andrew Hinson, and set out to plant a total of 50,000 daffodils along the iconic Cherry Avenue. The initiative was divided into three phases and required £10,000 in funding.
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Factors such as natural ageing, storm-related flooding and increased footfall have all contributed to declining bulb performance in recent years.
By replanting new bulbs, the daffodil collection can be revitalised and will return the garden to its former glory. Varieties such as ‘King Alfred’, ‘Sailboat’, ‘Ice Follies’ and ‘Quail’ will line the avenue come spring; ‘Cheerfulness’ and ‘Actaea’ will enhance the surrounding areas.
Phase two took place in autumn this year where Trust staff, volunteers from the local community, staff from the University of Glasgow, horticulture students from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Queen’s Park, gardening groups and visitors joined forces to lift old heritage bulb varieties, remove tree stumps and lay 15 tons of compost to prepare the beds for mass planting. By the end of November, an impressive total of 73,000 bulbs had been planted across the Cherry Avenue and the designed landscape.
Andrew said: ‘Daffodils are such an important part of Greenbank Garden’s landscape and legacy, and our goal is to bring back the spring blanket of daffodils that once covered the garden and woodland. Over time, these bulbs will naturalise, which should double the display to over 100,000 daffodils across the garden.’
Andrew added: ‘This project has already surpassed our expectations, and with one final push we can complete the restoration of Greenbank’s daffodils.’
Greenbank Garden is appealing for help in raising the final £1,000 needed to complete phase three of the Donate a Daffodil initiative.
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