Gardens are wonderful and Scotland is rich in both public and private gardens which offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy access. Particularly in our cities these gardens and parks give much needed breathing space and opportunity to enjoy nature's year long spectacle. This weekend (21 & 22 June 2003) sees a special preview, open to all, of another such space, The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow, which is Scotland's first permanent garden dedicated to peace. Three years in development, delivered within budget, supported by thirty different organisations, the new garden is situated to the rear of the Tramway, Albert Drive, Glasgow and when fully open, from Tuesday 24 June 2003 (until September) from 10am to 8pm, can be entered through the Tramway or by a side entrance on Pollokshields Road.

 

The Hidden Gardens will be open for the special preview from 12 noon to 6pm on both weekend days, with a Ceremony of Light on Saturday evening from 9.30pm to 1am. Visitors are welcome to come and dedicate a blessing, wish or thought to celebrate the start of the garden's life. There will be a host of live outdoor music including the return of the legendary Tibetan Singing Bowl Orchestra whose hypnotic sounds were a highlight of the nva organisation millennium production 'The Path', in Glen Lyon. The occasion is also marked by the appearance of the virtuoso harpist Savourna Stevenson, one of Scotland's most successful and internationally acclaimed musicians.

 

The Hidden Gardens is a visionary new landmark, conceived by the Glasgow based nva organisation following an invitation from the Tramway to explore the derelict area behind their building. With further support from the Tramway in the development of the concept and through a highly successful collaboration with artists, landscape architects and designers, nva has created a visionary new landmark. The unique and stunning public space is a major £1.5 million environmental resource for both the citizens of Glasgow and visitors to the city, providing respite from urban pressures among beautiful planting and intriguing permanent artworks.

 

This weekend's entrance to The Hidden Gardens preview will be through the Tramway and further information of the various events are available by phoning 0845 330 3501 or visiting www.nva.org.uk

 

The recent good weather allied to garden visits and other summer activities inspire the thoughts of picnics to which this week's recipe Apple Coleslaw should prove a novel accompaniment.

 

Apple Coleslaw

 

Ingredients : 12 oz (350 g) white cabbage; 2 dessert apples; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 carrots; 5 oz (150 g) thick bottled mayonnaise; salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Shred the cabbage finely with a sharp knife, discarding the central core. Put the shredded cabbage into a large bowl. Coarsely grate the apples without peeling them. Sprinkle the grated apples with 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice in order to prevent the flesh from discolouring. Scrape the carrots, then grate coarsely. Add the apple and carrots to the cabbage and toss well. Mix the mayonnaise with the remaining lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Add to the cabbage mixture, toss thoroughly to combine them then transfer to a dish. Serves 4 and takes around 15 minutes to prepare.