About the year 1605, on an application from a number of "practical gardeners", the Craft obtained a charter from the Burgh of Glasgow, conferring the usual rights and privileges. Unfortunately, this charter was lost in 1646 when the Deacon was infected with the plague at that time raging in the Town, and sent to the "Foull Moor" to be cured.

By a new Seal of Cause dated 1690 the exclusive trading privileges within the burgh were reconfirmed, and these were enjoyed down to the passing of the Act in 1846 for the abolition of exclusive privileges of trading in burghs in Scotland.

Some years ago the Gardeners introduced the "Let Glasgow Flourish" award scheme under which Certificates of Excellence at three different levels are presented to those commercial, industrial or institutional organisations within the City which create and maintain an arboreal or floral display of high standard for the benefit of their staff and fellow citizens. The awards are available for projects from simple window-box displays to impressive and ambitious gardens and are keenly sought after. The Craft was also instrumental in helping to initiate support for the Trades House Expedition to Papua New Guinea in 1987 and the botanical exhibition which followed it in 1988.

Among its many members continuing to profess an interest in gardening is the Prince of Wales. Like most of the Incorporated Trades in Glasgow, the Gardeners elect 4 members annually to the Trades House.