The David Welch Winter Gardens in Duthie Park is one of the best-loved spots for the people of the Granite City.
For generations, the glasshouses and hothouses have offered an exotic escape in the heart of Aberdeen – especially during the grey and dark winter months. And kids of all ages love McPuddock the pond-dwelling frog and Spike the talking cactus, as well as the rich and vibrant array of plants. The gardens are also a popular venue for weddings and concerts.
Sadly closed at the moment due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Winter Gardens were added to Duthie Park in the early 1900s. However, extreme gales in 1969 caused extensive damage, leading to the original structure being demolished and replaced with the buildings that stand today.
Join us, as we take a look at how the Winter Gardens bloomed over the years.
Back in 1990, McPuddock was known as Freddy, the resident giant frog at the Winter Gardens and judging from the expression on Andrew Pickup’s face, he’s a monster hit.
President of the Soroptomists Club of Aberdeen, Mrs Dorothy Lawrie (centre), presented three stained glass windows to the town in 1973. They were accepted by Councillor A. Collie (left), convener links and parks. The windows, showing Aberdeen’s association with the sea, were rescued from buildings on the Lower Prom and are still in a safe haven in the Winter Gardens.
The Hartley Singers provided the programme at Duthie Park on the opening of the third Candle Festival in 1972, arranged by the parks department. The gardens were illuminated by 8,000 candles placed at various vantage points.
Aberdeen City Band entertain in the picturesque setting of the Winter Gardens in 1980. Ralph Sharp conducts with the spotlight on four of the cornet players.
The area around Duthie Park in 1935… with some modern day things missing. There is no King George VI Bridge and no housing estates at Garthdee or Kincorth. However the park bandstand, boating pond and original Winter Gardens can be seen in the foreground.
