Works

The south platform, raised brick beds, and embankments have all been covered with membrane for many decades, degraded wood bark and dust build up has subsequently allowed copious weed growth. Prior to any planting we have removed weed layer, lifted the membrane (reused in some areas), dug the ground, where necessary added compost. The embankments also required building a wooden edge to prevent soil loss.  This has been time consuming and labour intensive and although mostly unnoticeable this preparatory ground work was absolutely vital prior to planting.  In addition, to aid stability / support on the embankment, rockeries have been built using locally recycled stone.   All the planters were aged and showing rot, but were usable. These have all now been replaced, as funding permitted.

Various areas were worked simultaneously:
 

• Mid April/early May 2022:- raised beds (x3) in carpark groundwork (as above) then filled with new compost (approx 10 bags/bed) and planted, 1 with flowers, 1 with blue/yellow flowers supporting Ukraine and 1 with herbs and assorted vegetables. By 29th May 2022 we had many flowers in bloom.

• May 2022:- removal of old train. 4 old barrel planters prepared with new compost and planted up with summer bedding plants.

• June 2022:- work started on first embankment, opening a 3m/9ft section with groundwork (as above). This was a test strip to see if the soil under membrane had sufficient nutrients to support perennial plants without initially composting. A wild flower mix was also trialled alongside. It quickly became apparent the embankment soil was fertile and subsequently within a few months a further 28m/92ft was planted as plants became available from donations and two rockeries built (as above).

• July /August 2022:- purchase of new train and 2 carriages, painting, stencilling and planting up with summer bedding.

• Late winter 2022 /early spring 2023:- work commenced on 2nd embankment. Groundwork (as above) completed April 2023.  Planting commenced immediately thereafter with herbs and soft fruits planted at the base of the embankment and heathers, grasses, wild flowers above.  Two rockeries were also built.  Planting in the 2nd embarkment is ongoing as plants/donation/funding becomes available.

• June 2022:- A donated rowing boat was transported to the station by volunteers and secured on the platform.  It was subsequently painted and stencilled.  A cleaned membrane was used around the boat and perimeter wood edging built. This area filled with pea gravel (one ton) as base layer then topped with decorative shells.  The boat was planted up late autumn and in flower from spring 2023.
   

• August 2022:- the first and smaller of the four beds was prepared (groundwork as above) and planted with Broom and hardy perennials. Despite exposure on estuary side to harsh, salty winds and rain these shrubs survived and bloomed early spring 2023 and continue to flourish and flower.

• Feb 2023:- Preparatory work on a 2nd platform bed began.  In addition to groundwork (as above) this also involved removing a large volume of soil to drop the level slightly below that of platform to enable planting of shrubs (additional preparatory work and planting now complete as of August 2023). 

• Work is ongoing to restore the remaining areas on the south platform.

• Summer 2022:- Composting startup commenced.  2 wooden composters were build by volunteers using recycled pallets and several plastic composters have been donated.  These have been in use since and we hope the compost will be usable from 2024.
   

• April 2023:- Dwarf Apple, Pear and Plum trees planted which will hopefully bear fruit next year

• In July 2022 we organised our first sale of pre-loved garden implements and plants in the carpark raising £350.  A second fund raising day is scheduled for September this year where we will also showcase our station gardens.  We have also received a number of generous donations including plants and landscaping supplies from appreciative local people and businesses.
   

• The outcome of Cardross Adopt a Station Programme (since March 2022) has been to successfully transform our station.

• We have installed and planted our boat, train and whisky barrels, uncovered and planted embankments, raised beds and some platform beds, all now vibrant with colour

• We have vegetables, soft fruit, and herbs for the community to use

• We have raised awareness of our community garden and work carried out under the Adopt a Station programme

• Above all we have produced a lovely place to wander along, appreciating the flowers and edible produce, and given station uses a welcoming, pleasant and enjoyable experience.  Feedback positively suggests station users and those from the wider community have an increasing sense of pride in the station. 

• Our former beautiful station has returned and is truly growing.