ONE of Helensburgh and Lomond’s most popular visitor attractions, Geilston Garden in Cardross, opens to the public for the start of a new season on Monday, March 13.

Even at this early stage in the season there is plenty to see - crocus and daffodils are looking bright and cheery and the hellebores are popping through. In the walled garden some early camelias are flowering and the heather garden is providing vivid colour and, on a sunny day, a welcome early bite for hungry bumble bees. The azaleas and rhodedrenron are preparing to burst into flower and the bluebells are poking through ready to burst into bloom too.

During the period when the garden gate is closed much activity goes on. The gardeners and volunteers are kept busy with routine tasks such as cutting back, pruning, leaf clearing and twig clearing after the winter winds. They are all hard at work getting the garden ready for visitors again, edging, making sure paths are clear and safe and everything looking at is best ready for you!

This year there have also been exciting developments within the garden with the planting of an additional orchard area and preparation of a new prairie planting area adjacent to it. The paddock area has had removal of a lot invasive species and is looking fabulous. A new herbaceous border behind the Gardener’s Cottage is also under preparation - so much to see now and so much progress to follow as the season proceeds.

The admission hut has also had a bit of a makeover and the visitor services team are looking forward to welcoming you.

Admission to the garden is free to National Trust for Scotland members - see the NTS website for details of charges for non-members and membership details.