06-07-2025
Glasgow City Council 'committed' to maintaining rose garden
Despite the International Rose Trials at Tollcross Park being suspended in 2024, the event has previously taken place every year within the park where new rose varieties are planted each year before being inspected by a panel of experts.
During a recent full council meeting, concerns were raised by councillor Jill Pidgeon about the state of the rose garden which had become overrun with weeds and debris before being cleaned up by officers.
Councillor Pidgeon wanted to know what steps were in place to ensure this would not happen again.
(Image: LDR) Councillor Laura Doherty said: 'Glasgow International Rose Garden at Tollcross is a cherished and significant feature of our parks estate.
'A recent inspection of the rose beds has been completed and an improvement schedule is now being implemented to address any issues identified.
'This includes deploying operational staff to restore the beds to their internationally recognised standard.
'As part of our ongoing maintenance, we will continue the annual dressing of the beds with 200 tons of mushroom compost. This natural fertilizer is essential to the health and vibrancy of the roses.
'In line with recent budget approvals, we have also launched an extensive recruitment drive for additional park staff. These new recruits will be strategically deployed in key areas, including the rose garden to help maintain the high standard expected by both the local community and international visitors.
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'This effort compliments our climate-ready modern apprenticeship programme, which offers young residents the opportunity to earn while they learn building careers within our valued parks estate.
'While the beds are no longer used for show trials, we remain fully committed to their upkeep and recognise the importance both locally and globally and are dedicated to enhance the Tollcross environment and uphold their international reputation.'
Councillor Jill Pidgeon then asked if it was in the city convenor's plan to try and elevate the garden to a point where it would be competing and be part of that international scene.
Councillor Doherty said: 'In the budget, we committed £3 million for our parks and I think that highlights our commitment to our parks and the priorities of the citizens of this city.'
