Spring into summer in the great outdoors
Azaleas and Rhododendrons at their peak are just two of the colourful wonders in full bloom at Mid Argyll’s Himalayan-style glen in Crarae Garden.
Visitors, to the garden, just off the A83 between Minard and Furnace, are greeted by enthusiastic staff many of whom are National Trust for Scotland volunteers.
There is a garden layout map, which is worth a look, before venturing into the site’s first lowland garden.
It has superb beds around wide paths, which would take a wheelchair or pram. Edges are neatly cut and the grass verges are as trim as a golf green and everything is well signposted.
The lowland garden though is not the main show, that is the Himalayan garden which, created in 1912, by Lady Grace Campbell, reflects Edwardian horticultural creation at its best, with trees and shrubs from China, Nepal, Tibet and unusually Australia.
Just like its namesake region in Asia, the steep paths are not for the faint hearted but making the effort provides a just reward in a garden showing full use of the Argyll landscape from the fast flowing burn, which will have been topped up by recent showers, spectacular waterfalls and panoramic views.
There is a hilly path up to a viewpoint and there are so many possible walks it would be easy to get lost exploring all permutations.
Back at the visitor centre and shop there are plenty of plants to buy so that visitors can keep a piece of the magic of Crarae forever, books and further information on such an inspiring part of the Scottish countryside.
Visitors who are not sated by Crarae do not have to travel far to find another National Trust for Scotland venue, Arduaine Garden, off the A816 between Lochgilphead and Oban.
There is a world tour on offer at Arduaine with breathtaking views across the Sound of Jura.
The gardens open out from the coastline to a cliff which makes an enclosure somewhat similar to a naturally walled garden.
The upland regions of Asia once again dominate, in plant selection, with rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, giant lilies and forget-me-nots.
Exotica is the key with glamour and fragrance from these locations which, when the garden was started in 1898, were all the rage among plant hunters.
The wooded area rises above flat gardens and is gained by a narrow gravel path meandering through well established borders and wooded areas
Arduaine is a hidden gem and the road journey to get there also involves some spectacular scenery and wide sea views particularly across to Ardfern and Loch Melfort.