HELENSBURGH and Lomond’s garden lovers have helped to raise more than £4,000 for the Scotland’s Garden Scheme and people in the local area with dementia.

The money was raised at an open day and plant sale at Glenarn in Rhu on Sunday, when a record number of visitors came along to see the garden’s flowers – and in particular its spectactular displays of rhododendrons – at the peak of their spring flowering power.

“This was an astonishing result,” said Sue Thornley who, with her husband Mike, looks after the well-known west coast garden.

“We want to thank everyone who supported the event, our friends who helped on the day and the residents of Glenarn Road who had to put up with the influx of cars.

“A big thank you to everyone.”

READ MORE: Glenarn rhododendron displays 'best in a generation'

Glenarn is open to the public every day until September 21 under the Scotland’s Gardens scheme. and will be hosting visits from specialist groups throughout the season.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s event at Glenarn isn’t the only chance for garden lovers in the Helensburgh and Lomond area to enjoy an open day at a spectacular local attraction.

The Linn Botanic Garden in Cove is hosting an open day on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6, from 2pm until 4.30pm.

Admission is £3, while entry for children under 12 is free.

The garden is well worth visiting with many unusual rhododendrons and other plants expected to be in full flower at this time.

Plants and home baking will be on sale by Friends of the Linn Gardens (Scottish charity 0200972) in aid of the garden’s upkeep.

Situated at the head of Cove Bay on the west side of the Rosneath peninsula, Linn offers stunning views over the Firth of Clyde towards Cowal and the hills of Arran.

READ MORE: Linn added to Scotland's inventory of botanic jewels

The development of the present gardens dates from 1970 and they now house a diverse collection of temperate plants. Features include a burn with waterfalls, formal and informal ponds, an open heath for New Zealand plants and a collection of insect catching plants.

The centre of the gardens is dominated by a substantial cliff enabling fine views over much of the plantings.

Among the more notable collections are ferns, bamboos, magnolias and rhododendrons.

For more information contact 07710 278416.