Up garden path to world of discovery
GET outdoors and marvel at the seasonal changes happening i n some of Scotland’s magnificent gardens. From the exotic paradise of Logan Botanic Garden to the sub-tropical garden at Inverewe, they are beautiful all year round, but in the summer they burst into life with bright colours and exotic perfumes.
Find inspiration for your own garden as you wander along paths fringed with colourful borders, enjoy vintage afternoon tea in beautiful surroundings, or take the family to explore the hidden corners of these magnificent wonderlands.
There are superb events in Scotland’s gardens this year, including workshops and walking tours, so whether you’re a greenfingered expert or just an eager admirer, you’re sure to find lots to enjoy.
Wherever you are in Scotland, you’ll find a colourful haven right on your doorstep. The National Trust for Scotland has more than 35 glorious gardens under its care and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has four superb gardens to visit – from the flagship site in the capital to Benmore Botanic Garden in its superb mountainside setting in Argyll.
By visiting, or becoming a member, you are also supporting essential conservation work, so why not enjoy the best of what these gardens have to offer while helping to protect them for future generations?
Dramatic locations: Enjoy a brilliant moment as you discover beautiful gardens in breathtaking locations.
Benmore’s mountainside setting is rich with dramatic scenery which welcomes you through an avenue of 150-year- old giant redwoods, while the gardens of clifftop Culzean Castle are a truly unforgettable sight.
Exotic and tropical plants: Get a taste of the tropics at Logan Botanic Garden, where exotic treasures such as African daisies thrive in warm Gulf currents.
Inverewe boasts gorgeous Tasmanian eucalyptus and Himalayan blue poppies – a slice of the subtropics in the Highlands.
Historic backdrops: History and horticulture combine at Scotland’s magnificent castles. The superb 14th century y Kellie Castle and Garden n boasts an arts and craft Victorian garden designed by Sir Robert Lorimer while Culzean Castle was the final masterpiece of architect Robert Adam.
Seasonal delights: Scotland’s gardens boast year-round charm and colour. From Threave Estate’s cheerful springtime daffodils to the summer blooms in Dawyck’s vibrant Azalea Terrace and the vivid shades of Edinburgh Botanics’s famous rhododendrons, each season brings new delights.
Discover a host of enchanting garden events in beautiful surroundings this summer, from guided walks to flower festivals.
www.visitscotland.com Sunday, May 10. As well as delicious tastings, there will be pop-up restaurants courtesy of local businesses such as Glenapp Castle, where you can enjoy the full dining experience.
With the impressive backdrop of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, you can explore the organic food stalls, wine bars, whisky tastings and cheese shops.
If you want to try something new, be inspired at the cookery demonstrations from Trump Turnberry’s executive chef Munur Kara as well as Celebrity Masterchef finalist Kirsty Wark, who will be wielding her spatula and talking about her bestselling debut novel, The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle.
Really get back to local food sources and discover the secrets of foraging on the shore and surrounding area with guidance from Mark Williams of Galloway Wild Foods. Explore t he dedicated areas for craft beers and local art exhibits.
A bus shuttle service will also be provided between the festival in Ballantrae and Stranraer, Girvan, Barrhill, Pinwherry and Colmonell with full details on the website.
This is a great day out for all the family with children’s competitions and live music to keep you entertained throughout the day – and entry is FREE.