Xylotheque, The Hidden Gardens, Glasgow

Alec Finlay was commissioned by The Hidden Gardens to create Xylotheque : A Library of the Native Woodland. Situated on a raised area within the Gardens, there is an open square platform with an oak tree growing through the middle. Around the tree trunk is a library of wooden books. Open a book and you discover a sample of a Scottish wood and the name of it carved beautifully on the facing page.

The seventeen native species of trees featured are Yew, Ash, Hazel, Oak, Aspen, Wych Elm, Juniper, Pine, Rowan, Silver Birch, Willow, Holly, Hawthorn, Gean, Alder, Apple and Bird Cherry.

The Hidden Gardens (opened in 2003) is an independent charity behind the Tramway in Pollokshields, on the southside of Glasgow.