With the warmer weather now here to stay (we say tentatively) and the sun actually making an appearance, it's past time to get out there and make the most of it.
And in Glasgow, though we are blessed with green spaces, sometimes we want to go somewhere new.
Even better if the place is a little-known oasis of calm in the bustling southside.
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While many will head to the much larger and better-known Queen's and Pollok Parks, the Hidden Gardens might offer something a little more novel and interesting.
Describing itself as a "beautiful public oasis", the gardens can be found on Albert Drive in Pollokshields nestled behind the Tramway Theatre not too far from the Pollokshields East train station.
This quiet garden spot is one that is often overlooked, even by residents in the area.
Coming with a rich backstory, the Gardens state back to the start of the 19th century, when trees were grown on the site for big mansions like Pollok House.
Later, at the end of the century, the Copelawhill Tram Works and Depot were opened on the grounds and housed hundreds of horses – as the tram cars were initially horse-driven.
The space then became the Hidden Gardens, as they are now known, in 2003, with the opening of the spot celebrated with a three-day festival of flowers, and sound and light installations.
Thanks to the hard work of the team behind them, and the local community, the Hidden Gardens have become known as a safe place to "promote community integration and intercultural dialogue, and to build trust and understanding between people of all cultures, faiths and backgrounds through horticulture, nature, creativity and collaboration".
With a focus on bringing people together from different backgrounds reflected in the diverse selection of events and workshops on offer at the gardens.
These include a range of subjects as diverse as Tai Chi classes, cookery lessons, and gardening demos where volunteers can come together and meet new people.
Not only that but people are also able to learn life skills such as growing your own food and recycling waste products in an effective and sustainable manner.
While the Men’s Group addresses the needs of mental health awareness by bringing together men from a diverse range of backgrounds for group activities.
The gardens themselves are made up of many different areas of flower beds, wildlife, and trees. According to Hidden Gardens website, it has "been designed to reflect the history of this site and the changes over time" – influenced by both Celtic and Asian horticultural and cultural traditions.
Among the highlights are a nearly-extinct Chinese Ginkgo biloba tree, an ornamental kitchen garden (known as the Potager) containing a variety of vegetables and fruits, and the plant kiosk—where flowering and edible plants are available by donation over spring and summer.
Guests can also discover a range of permanent artworks in the garden including the ever-popular Bee Tenements, the Xylotheque and the Brass Water Dishes.
Wherever you are in the gardens, looking up you will see the central chimney, which pays tribute to the Hidden Gardens' industrial origins.
Free to visit (donations are welcome), the gardens are open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am until 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday 12 until 5 pm.
More information about this wonderful spot can be found on The Hidden Gardens website.
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