GaGrAdReDnENoOfF theTwHEeWekEEK

The restoration of Wemyss Castle Gardens began in 1994 when Charlotte Wemyss opened a door to the castle’s abandoned six-acre walled garden, which at that time had five apple trees, several redcurrant bushes, rolls and rolls of barbed wire buried in the long grass, three geese and a rhubarb patch. Wemyss thought, “I can deal with this,” and indeed she did.

Twenty-five years later, the garden is now transformed into a mixture of formal and informal planting, housing a huge collection of Montana clematis, which clothe the walls and climb the trees in late spring, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Following the clematis, there comes a large and varied collection of David Austin roses, both shrubs and climbers. The long border reaching almost 300 feet is filled solely by David Austin’s English roses, with climbers on the walls through which various clematis scramble.

The Wild Garden, where again the walls are adorned with roses and clematis, holds a varied and interesting collection of exotic trees and shrubs planted by Wemyss’ husband Michael, including Davidia, Catalpa, Paulownia, Cornus, Halesia, Kalopanax and other noteworthy species.

The Walled Garden is a place of peace, tranquillity and enormous beauty and charm – well worth a visit. Picnickers and artists are welcome.

Website: wemysscastlegardens.com

Telephone: Charlotte Wemyss 07966 140351 / Mike McFarlane (caretaker) 07825 151479

Opening times: Weekdays only, 9am to 5.30pm. By prior arrangement, email preferred, wemyss. gardens@gmail.com or telephone as above.

Admission costs: Adults £7.50, children up to 14 years go free. Dogs welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times (there are chickens about).

Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org