Using outdoor spaces to diversify audiences and benefit nature

Ailie’s Garden opened in 2002 as a biodiversity garden situated in The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum grounds. A haven of peace and tranquillity, as well as an educational and demonstration area, it was named after Ailie Maclaurin (1913-2000) who was a stalwart of the Friends of the Stirling Smith’s Plant Sale for many years.

The garden was developed to support wildlife and showcase various Scottish habitats, including woodland, woodland edge, upland, wetland flora and hedgerow. It also features a small kitchen garden compost demonstration area. Additionally, there is a willow garden, a xylophone made from a 40-year-old branch of a coppiced sycamore from a 300-year-old tree in the Cults Hill Wood in Fife, a mosaic ‘pond’ and a mosaic path, the Balfron Bench, and the Wolf Stone, all of which have connections with the Stirling area. 

In 2021 with funding from Museums Galleries Scotland, an events cabin was erected in the garden using environmentally friendly and reclaimed materials. Since its installation, the cabin has been used as a stage for outdoor music performances, a food and beverage stand, and an educational space.  It has allowed the museum to have more viable outdoor events which have welcomed new audiences. 

• The Friends of the Stirling Smith originally raised the funds to create the garden and shared responsibility for its ongoing maintenance.  When the Friends disbanded in 2023, this presented a concern over the garden’s future.  However, many former volunteers continue to maintain the garden and new volunteers have since joined. The garden has given new focus, and wellbeing benefits, to our volunteer offer.  
• Local young people have started to use the garden after museum opening hours as a place to meet. Whilst we were initially worried about anti-social behaviour, we’ve found that they feel a sense of ownership of the space and tend to be respectful and clear up. This illustrates the importance of making everyone feel welcome and part of the community – it inspires long-term care and respect. 
• Many local people are unaware of the garden as it is hidden from view by trees.  Efforts to raise awareness have included promoting the garden on social media, informing new visitors to the museum, and organising outdoor events. We’ve found in the last 12 months that visitors to our outdoor events will return independently to use the space. We will continue to run more outdoor events to remove barriers to access.  
• A changing climate is proving a challenge. Our head gardener, who has been in the role for many years, has noticed a change in perennial plants not thriving.  He attributes this  issue to the lack of snow over the past three years, which usually provides insulation for plants during their dormant stage. Monitoring these changes allows us to talk to audiences about climate change and its local impacts and trial new plants and gardening methods. 
• The success of the events cabin lies in its been ability to expand our offering in the garden  regardless of the weather. Having a small area under cover means that outdoor learning doesn’t have to be confined to a few days in summer.  
• The cabin has not only allowed us to increase the types of events we can host but it has also enabled us to reach a wider audience. Since it was installed, we have organised music festivals, civic celebrations, local music groups have used it as a practice space, conducted willow weaving workshops, storytelling sessions, mindfulness sessions, and engaged with school and community groups. 
• One recent success we’ve had is selling bird seed in our retail space. The seed comes in small brown bags and is designed to be scattered in the garden. Visitors frequently purchase it. It not only aids biodiversity but also strengthens the connection between visitor and nature, contributing to our our income generation as well. We’ve also recently opened our ‘book nook’ which is filled with beanbags and books for all ages on the biodiversity in our garden. 
• Creating a space for visits outwith regular opening hours has been a real success. It has boosted the museum’s reputation and helped attract tourists, even even when we’re closed. This was particularly beneficial in lockdown when the museum was closed for an extended period, but our visitors could still enjoy the garden as a safe outdoor community space. 

• The garden has had a positive impact on  the mental wellbeing of a variety of audiences and volunteers. We’ve even had members of the community thank us for the solitude and comfort the garden has provided them and their family members during difficult times in their lives. Visitors can enjoy a moment of tranquility while foraging for herbs, berries, and even an apple from the Mary Queen of Scots tree.  
• The garden has allowed us to centre the museum in the community. It is used by a wide range of audiences, from toddler groups to tourists, teenagers to basket weavers, and has helped to show that the museum and art gallery is a space for everyone. 
• The garden attracts visitors who then venture inside,  often spending money in our gift shop and café. Even on days when the museum is closed, the garden provides a space for enjoyment, building on the museum’s reputation and making it a popular destination for tourists and tour buses. 
• There has been increased awareness of The Stirling Smith as a space for schools. Even before hiring our Schools Learning Officer, local classes regularly visited the garden to explore the plant life. One class even helps our volunteer gardeners with clearing leaves, fostering a sense of community. With our new Schools Learning Officer in post, we can now create outdoor education programmes, both facilitated and self-led, using the space.  
• The garden has provided the museum with additional opportunities for generating income through outdoor events, workshops and corporate hires. This has been further increased since the opening of the events cabin.  
• Environmentally, the garden has been benefiting the local biodiversity for over 20 years, providing a habitat and a source of food for wildlife.
   

• Make sure to have a dedicated team for general maintenance such as litter picks, checking for damage etc. This can be staff or volunteers and doesn’t have to take much time, but it’s better to know before it’s needed.  
• If using the garden for events, workshops or temporary exhibitions make sure that none of the materials are potentially harmful to the plants and animals that share the space – eagle eyed visitors will notice! 
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different events. Gardens will naturally pique the interest of new audiences, so find out what interests them and give them what they want. We even hosted a daytime rave in our cabin!
• If setting up a new biodiversity garden, consider your perspective on what makes a garden. Plant native flora but then sit back enjoy how they grow into the space, and watch what else starts to pop up. If nature needs it, it’s not a weed. Listen to what the garden is telling you. This is the one museum space you don’t have to curate.  

Email: museum@thesmith.scot  

Visit: The Smith Art Gallery and Museum Website