READER'S GARDEN
When stepping into Colin’s garden, visitors are greeted by a diverse array of hardy palms like Trachycarpus fortunei, Chamaerops humilis, Chamaerops Cerifera, Trachycarpus Wagerianus, and Brahea armata which create a striking tropical look, while the bold leaves of Gunnera Manicata ‘Giant Rhubarb’, Fatsia japonica, Musa basjoo, and Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ mix with tall grasses and hostas to offer lush, jungle-like foliage. These specimens all co-exist harmoniously, creating a plant-filled retreat with an almost magical quality.
These plants are not just for looks, the towering Dicksonia antarctica, vibrant Colocasia ‘Pink China’, and Schefflera taiwaniana play an essential role in creating the dense canopy effect that defines the garden's unique atmosphere.
The garden’s circular wall with its Brazilian slate seat invites visitors to pause, take in the view, and unwind in this tropical oasis, which is hugged by raised beds filled with ferns, Acer species, and bamboos.
Colin’s garden is not just a space for plants, it’s a place for memories, “The garden is a space to relax, unwind, chill, and enjoy with my husband Bill and our family and friends,” he shares. The space is designed for good times and family gatherings. “Whether we’re enjoying a cold beer in the late afternoon sun or sipping a warm cup of tea on the Moongate patio, it’s become an extension of our home - a tranquil, welcoming space for everyone.”
“Birds flit among the trees, squirrels scamper through the leaves, and even our neighbour's cat, Jasper, claims ownership of the garden, basking in the shade of the large leaves.”
What makes Colin’s garden truly special is the journey it represents. “When I first moved into the property 20 years ago, I had little knowledge of gardening,” Colin reflects. “I had no idea what a shrub was or what to do in the garden. It was a blank canvas - just a conventional lawn with cottage-style borders around the edge. I am self taught and over time, I’ve experienced my fair share of successes and disasters.”
The decision to embrace tropical gardening came four years ago as Colin decided to embrace his love for tree ferns and large-leafed plants.
Social media and online gardening communities have played a huge role in Colin’s journey, providing invaluable advice and even plant exchanges. “I’ve learned so much from the gardening community online, and I’ve made lasting friendships through these connections.”
The garden faces northwest and receives a mix of sun and shade, with a third of the space permanently in shade. “That is perfect though,” Colin says, “as this is where the ferns, tree ferns, and hostas thrive, creating a canopy effect as you walk along the curved path to the Moongate.”
While many of the plants in Colin’s garden thrive year-round, others require a bit more care. Fatsia japonica, Cordyline australis, and many of the hardy palms are perfectly suited to Scotland's climate and don’t require winter protection, though a particularly harsh frost could set back the architectural Cordyline australis.
“A sheltered microclimate really helps, but as any Scottish gardener knows, the weather is always unpredictable,” Colin shares. “Windbreaks, strategic planting, and mulching for winter protection have been crucial for success. I do have lots of Rhododendron species which provide evergreen foliage and add another layer of structure and beauty to the garden during the colder months, before bearing those stunning spring flowers.”
The wet Scottish winter does, however, brings its own trials. Without a greenhouse or cold frame, every plant is left to face the elements except the Enste Maurelli ‘Red Banana’ which comes into the garage over winter.
To give his tropical plants the best chance of survival, Colin focuses on ensuring they have good drainage. “I’ve filled raised beds with grit to help the palms thrive by keeping their roots dry in winter,” he explains. Dicksonia antarctica is wrapped in fleece for protection against frost, Musa basjoo is protected with chicken wire stuffed with straw and covered in fleece to keep it dry and preserve its height, and Brahea armata has fleece and a rubble sack used to cover the fronds.”
While the cold can cause damage to tender plants like Cordyline australis as mentioned, they usually bounce back in spring in Colin’s east coast location. “A polytunnel is on the horizon for the upcoming winter which I hope will offer more consistent frost protection for some of my more tender specimens.”
Each season in Colin’s tropical garden brings its own joys. “Spring is particularly special,” Colin says, “as the new fronds of the Dicksonia antarctica unfurl and new growth begins to take shape - I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they have survived the winter months.
The late summer months are when the garden truly shines, with plants reaching their peak fullness. In the morning, I love walking to the small patio through the Moongate which is hidden from the rest of the garden when the grasses, ferns, and bananas are in full bloom - you literally have to fight through the plants to get there in late summer.”
This is when Colin opened his garden last year to the public for the first time under Scotland’s Garden Scheme. “It was a huge success, and I’m looking forward to opening it again this year on August 30th.”
For anyone thinking of creating their own tropical garden in Scotland, Colin’s advice is:
to make sure you choose plants that can survive the climate, and don’t be afraid to experiment
a poly tunnel or greenhouse can extend the growing season and allow for more tender plants
though larger specimens, especially palms and tree ferns, can be expensive, the impact of these large plants is undeniable.
watering and feeding are key to keeping everything healthy, and Colin is grateful to his friends and neighbours who help when he’s away.
He adds, “Remember, it’s a process of trial and error. Over the years, I’ve lost a few plants to frost, some tender perennials sometimes have to be treated as annuals, and I’ve learned to adapt and only plant species that can endure the harsh conditions. The reward of seeing them grow tall and strong each year makes the effort worthwhile.”
Carnoustie’s Tropical Garden may not span acres, but it offers a world of escape, one frond and leaf at a time, right in the heart of Angus and it makes Colin feel “like I am on a tropical island.”
For more inspiration and a closer look at Colin Wilson's tropical garden, visit his Instagram page at @carnousties_tropical_garden.
If you would like to see your garden featured in a future edition of Scotland Grows magazine, please do get in touch to mail@scottishgardeningmagazine.com - we would love to hear from you!