Rhu's Glenarn Garden owners take trip down memory lane

Sue and Mike Thornley have lived in and owned Glenarn Gardens since 1983 and during that time have transformed the site from a state of disrepair to an award-winning tourist destination.

Working as architects and simply having an interest in gardening as a hobby, the couple took on a big challenge when they purchased the land.

Sue said: “We’re not trained horticulturalists, we’ve learned on the job and from books.

“We just thought it was an amazing place and wanted to take it on.

“In places there were no sign of the paths. The rock garden was very overgrown and there were lots of wild trees.

“We had to work really hard to start with. It was really difficult, and we had young children at the time."

Mike continued: “It was very rundown when we bought it. From the 1970s onward the garden was in disrepair.

“They were trying to sell it, but nobody would take it on. The house had dry rot and everything.”

The couple decided to buy the garden after they were encouraged to do so by a local woman, who was working alongside Mike on a project.

Through their hard work, Sue and Mike changed the Victorian garden from separate areas into one cohesive and connected space, introduced new plants to the grounds and made it a tidy and attractive destination.

Their efforts paid off as Glenarn is now recognised by Historic Environment Scotland who rated the garden as ‘outstanding.’

As well as the official accolades, the Thornley’s have seen the garden be appreciated by visitors from near and far.

Mike said: “We get visitors from as far away as Germany and America. The garden opens a whole world we didn’t think about.”

Sue added: “We’ve got a lot of local support now and people are very keen to come and are season ticket holders.”

While the garden is in great condition, Sue and Mike have noticed climate change affecting the plants and grounds in recent years.

This is something they are trying to combat and alleviate, but is a tough challenge to overcome.

Mike said: “The wind and rain are much, much harder and more destructive.

Sue continued: “We can see climate change problems and we’re doing what we can to fix things but it’s not easy.”

Despite the problems the garden faces due to climate change, the future is looking bright and the Thornley’s are optimistic for the years ahead.

The couple plan for the garden to remain as a popular and well-tended destination for many years to come and are taking steps to ensure it is preserved many years down the line.

Mike said: “We’re looking at what to do with the garden as we want it to continue. We want it to stay as a place people want to come to.”

Glenarn Gardens opened to the public for the 2024 season on Thursday, March 21 and will remain open until Saturday, September 21.

Entry costs £5 for adults and is free for under 16s.