From some points of view Woodside can seem a grey and dull area with pockets of poverty and various social problems. From another point of view it’s an area on the move that people care about and look after.
It’s a community of green spaces and hidden gems. Secret gardens and pretty spaces that only a few know about,” somewhere only we know”. At one of our recent Free Press meetings we discussed some of these. Here’s a few photos to see if you can guess where they are. Do you know some special places in Woodside, some gardens, green space or park that you think is special, please send us a photo and tell us about your place.
The Fersands Nursery Garden
A tiny growing space only a year old but already a treasure. A small area producing a harvest of knowledge, understanding, fun and excitement for the children. Already, the kids have made soup from vegetables and enjoyed picking and chopping the apples that they help to grow in their Garden.
Off the Rails Community Garden (Behind Ferrier Crescent and Ferrier Gardens).
A garden created by residents coming together. For Five years a small but tenacious group have worked hard and grown interest and developed a stronger sense of community by improving their surroundings. Together they share knowledge and experience and have a go at growing stuff. Every year the garden stretches out a little bit more and new fruits, flowers and vegetables can be seen. Residents are welcome to come and take what they need. Lots of families and children help at weekends and take great pride in the environment they are building.
Persley Walled Garden
On the very edge of Woodside lies the historic Persley Walled Garden, once part of the Crombie Mills estate. The garden offers peaceful contemplative seating areas within formal quadrants of boxed hedge. Sprinkles and splashes of colourful insect luring bedding plants and climbing plants decorate the frames spectacularly. The red bricked garden was reclaimed by Aberdeen City Council in 1997 as part of Scottish Trades Union Congress to mark Workers Memorial Day and an obelisk erected a year later to commemorate all workers who died at work.
