The sunflowers have had their moment in front of the camera, and
Grey to Green @ 88
Community Connections
Welcome to the garden.
This project began quite simply: we felt the street needed a bit of love.
After being based in Bridge of Allan for more than twelve years, this is the first year that our other commitments have finally allowed us the time to turn our attention to the space around the office at 88 Henderson Street.
We wanted to create somewhere a little greener, brighter and more welcoming for the community to enjoy, while also giving ourselves a pleasant place to step outside for a coffee break, enjoy some fresh air and notice the changing seasons.
What began as a small idea has quickly become a fun and creative project, and one of the nicest surprises has been seeing people stop for a wee look, have a chat and notice what is changing.
August 30, 2026
A Small Space with Big Possibilities
The garden is taking shape in a little-used area beside our office. We hope it will support wildlife, encourage creativity and learning, and create more opportunities for connection with the people around us. This is a modest space that the landowner has kindly allowed us to care for while we have the opportunity.
There are also signs that a garden once existed here many years ago. The large tree that still stands in the space gives us a lovely link with that earlier garden, and in 2026 we have had the chance to begin bringing new life back around it.
Our Mission
To care for the space at 88 Henderson Street and create a welcoming garden that brings together nature, creativity, learning and connection.
Our Vision
To show how even a small space can become something positive and enjoyable when it is given a little care, imagination and time.
How the Project Began
The project began with four full-size sherry casks kindly offered by Deanston Distillery. The casks were no longer suitable for their original use, but rather than being left unused, they gave us the starting point for a new idea. Could they be repurposed as large planters and become part of bringing a little-used outdoor space back to life?
From there, the idea began to grow. We started thinking about what else the space might become and how we could make it greener, more welcoming and more enjoyable, while also creating opportunities for wildlife, sustainability, creativity and community connection.
Trossachs Cooperage stepped in to collect, transport and deliver the casks before helping bring them back into use as planters. Given their size and weight, this was something we simply could not have managed on our own, and their support helped turn an early idea into something practical and visible.
As the garden began to take shape, local gardener James generously shared his knowledge and experience. He also introduced us to Helen and Rosie, who kindly offered rocks and paving materials left over from their own gardens. These pieces now form part of the paths, structure and story of the garden, and they fit naturally with one of the project’s central ideas: giving existing materials a new purpose rather than letting them go to waste.
Peter and Sian have also been a wonderful source of gardening advice and inspiration, generously offering their time, knowledge and plant donations to help bring the space to life. We have gradually added ferns and other hardy plants, while family members have joined in by nurturing sunflowers from seed to bring colour to the garden and support pollinators through the summer.
Community Support So Far
The wider community has also helped the project move forward. Stirling Council’s recycling facility provided recycled soil, Tillicoultry Quarries donated gravel to help establish the site, and The Stirling Reuse Hub supported us with discounted building materials. Every contribution, whether large or small, has helped shape the garden and added to its story.
With seating now in place, the space is beginning to feel like somewhere people can genuinely stop, sit for a while and enjoy what is around them.
Where We Are Now
We have learned a lot through our first season, often by simply trying things, watching what happens and adjusting as we go. Some plants have thrived, some ideas have changed along the way, and every stage has taught us something new about the garden and the space around us.
One of the nicest parts has been seeing the garden become part of everyday life on Henderson Street. People stop for a wee look, ask what is growing, share memories and notice the small changes from week to week.
Those conversations have also encouraged us to learn more about the history around us. We have heard local stories and memories that we might never otherwise have known, which is why we now include “A Little Piece of Bridge of Allan History” in our garden posts.
As the seasons begin to change, we are now getting ready to move some of the project into the greenhouse for winter. This gives us a chance to protect plants, keep experimenting and begin thinking about what we would like to grow or try next year.
The outdoor garden may slow down for a while, but the project will not stop. Winter gives us a different kind of growing time, with space to reflect on what has worked, what we have learned and what we might do next.
Would You Like to Get Involved?
As the garden continues to grow, we would love to hear from anyone who might like to lend a hand.
You do not need to be an experienced gardener. We would welcome help with planting, watering, sharing ideas, small creative projects or simply spending a little time outdoors with us.
If you would like to volunteer, share some gardening knowledge, contribute an idea or tell us a local story, please get in touch.
If you are interested in helping or just want to keep up with what's going on, contact us by clicking the button
Bridge of Allan Counselling is operated by Rhonda Peebles Ltd, registered
in Scotland under company number SC509280.
Registered office: 88 Henderson Street, Bridge of Allan, Stirling, Scotland,
FK9 4HA.