DISCOVER SCOTTISH GARDENS
Set on a rocky outcrop at the head of a deep sea loch, Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye has a restored walled garden, a water garden with pools and waterfalls, and a hilltop viewpoint over a round garden and the dramatic outline of the castle.
Nearby neighbour, Raasay Walled Garden, is a community project and hub of buzzing activity on the island. The soil is fertilised by seaweed from the nearby beaches and much of the produce from the garden is shared with the local community.
Set between the Mull of Kintyre and Islay, Gigha is the southernmost island in the Inner Hebrides. Achamore Gardens were established here in the 1940s using many plants from the southern Hemisphere. Enjoy woodland walks with Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, New Zealand tree ferns, Hydrangeas, and Fuchsias that complement the walled gardens with their tender exotics, herbaceous borders, and Bamboo Maze for all to enjoy.
The largest island in the Firth of Clyde boasts pristine beaches and stunning scenery and its only town, Rothesay, is home to Ardencraig, where each year gardeners from Argyll and Bute Council create one of the best displays of massed bedding plants to be found anywhere in Scotland.
At the southern end of the island lies Mount Stuart, an astonishing Victorian mansion surrounded by 200 acres of manicured gardens, mature woodland, extensive rock gardens, a huge walled kitchen garden and ‘Calvary Garden’, with ponds, cascading waterfalls, and wildflower plantings.
A small bridge over the Atlantic takes visitors from the mainland to the island of Seil, where An Cala has been beautifully restored. Perennials and Poulson roses fill the garden with an abundance of colour all summer long.
Brodick Castle is a garden where horticulture at its highest level merges with the wilderness of one of Scotland’s iconic islands. Discover 80 planted acres to explore in this historic and wild garden.
Canna House is the only garden where visitors arrive through an Escallonia tunnel. Fruit trees are grown here, along with vegetables for the local community, while the Machair grass, which flowers on the nearby beaches in early summer, is one of the rarest habitats in the world.
A more recently developed small garden, Greens Garden near Kirkwall has been planted up with bulbs, shrubs, and perennials that cope remarkably well with exposure to the sea and high winds. This garden captures the heart and imagination of visitors with the 'use what you have' philosophy; the garden is full of driftwood, stone, copper, and repurposed materials features. Visitors can take a walk along perennial and shrub borders, admire a small collection of species roses, or sit and relax with the view of St. Peter's pool bay and surrounding landscape.
Waulkmill Garden is a three-acre garden overlooking the sands of Waulkmill Bay, sitting atop bog and heathland, alongside Hobbister Bird reserve. The native, wild, naturalistic-style planting includes hardy plants for the windy plot and Orkney native shrubs and trees. With spectacular views and peaceful corners to soak in the Orcadian elements, don’t miss this special garden when visiting the island.
There are hundreds of beautiful gardens across Scotland welcoming visitors throughout the year. Always check ahead with each garden on opening times and be mindful of how weather may impact openings and events. Be sure to pick-up the latest edition of the Discover Scottish Gardens map in tourist information points and leaflet stands across Scotland to discover all the wonderful gardens open across Scotland to visit.
Visit www.discoverscottishgardens.org for more information.
Take a tour of some stunning Highland Gardens in the Scotland Grows Show.