Garden News

Knock Cottage, Lochgair, Argyll This six-acre woodland garden is centred on a small waterfall, lochan and lily pond. From the 1960s there was constant planting with major plantings in 1989 and the ‘90s. The storms of 2011/12 caused damage to trees and bushes, and subsequent replanting of azaleas, rhododendron, camellias and other shrubs. There are now over 80 species of rhododendron and hybrids. Among the mature and young trees are cut leaf oak and alder, specimen conifers, eucalyptus, acers, prunus and beech. Open 3 & 4 June, 1.30-5pm

Holmes Farm, Drybridge, Ayrshire A plantsman’s garden created by a confirmed plantaholic. An ever-evolving selection of perennials, bulbs, alpines and shrubs. Meandering paths guide the eye through predominantly herbaceous plantings, with small trees and shrubs. The garden opening is timed for peak bloom of some of the 400 iris in the garden. There is a plant nursery with a wide selection of treasures from the garden and a gift shop and gallery too. Open 10 & 11 June, 1-5pm

Tyninghame House, Dunbar, East Lothian Splendid 17th century sandstone Scottish baronial house, remodelled in 1829 by William Burn. The gardens include herbaceous border, formal rose garden, Lady Haddington’s Secret Garden with old-fashioned roses and an extensive ‘wilderness’, spring garden with rhododendrons, azaleas, flowering trees and bulbs. Grounds include a one-mile beech avenue to the sea. The formal walled garden combines the lawn, sculpture and yew hedges, an ‘apple walk’, extensive herbaceous planting including roses and peonies with an informal arboretum. Open 18 June, 1-5pm