03/06/2026
BRIDGE OF WEIR HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY:
Gardening Club Members are looking forward to welcoming Angela Smith on Thursday 11th June. Angela is already a well-known name in horticultural circles but many of us are unaware of just how diverse her talents and projects have been. Angela trained with Renfrew District Council as a horticulturist and florist and this laid the foundations for a lifelong career in nature, creativity and community.
Some will remember Angela’s flower shop in the village but after her children grew up, she moved on to various outdoor projects reflecting her creative and gardening knowledge. This included becoming Community Outreach Advisor for the RHS and - in conjunction with the NHS Green Team - supported “Grow Your Own”, a project in North East Glasgow which helps offset food insecurity. This programme offers locals the chance to grow food for the family, enjoy a sense of community and provide support for others during what can be stressful times and improve mental health at the same time. Now “Grow to Eat” is more than just a few gardening workshops - for many it ensures there is something nutritious on the table.
How many of us dream of creating a garden from scratch – along with, of course, a healthy budget and some manpower? Well, Angela’s dream is becoming a reality and, supported by her husband, she is now converting a one acre field into a garden in Langbank. For the continuing benefit of local wildlife. the perimeter remains “wild” but a shelter belt has been planted to protect the raised borders which are being built in the former field – and 6 liberated battery hens are helping her to clear the ground of unwanted pests! They are now living their best lives!
One of Angela’s projects has been to dig in a selection of fruit trees sourced from garden centres and also local stores and, in time, she will know what, if any, comparison there is between fruit trees sourced and cared for in garden centres or offered in retail outlets, often as seasonal loss-leaders. For so many gardeners, out of town garden centres are too far to visit, so this experiment will hopefully reassure many gardeners who bring on a sapling bought at their local supermarket.
Angela also wants her garden to be open to those who would benefit from some “escapism” and a chance to work outdoors, feel the sun on their backs and, hopefully, recharge their batteries. Her gardening therapy supports people suffering from social isolation and brings everyone together in a safe space where they share their skills, relax and feel part of the team.
We meet at 8.00p.m. in The Parish Church Hall on Thursday 11th June. As always, visitors are welcome!
