Garden of the week

Kinlochlaich Walled Garden

Kinlochlaich Garden Centre, Appin, Argyll

The historic Kinlochlaich Walled Garden lies between Fort William and Oban, on the west coast of Scotland overlooking Castle Stalker. Built by John Campbell circa 1790, this hidden gem is noted for its unusual octagonal shape. The extensive grounds feature both formal and informal plantings.

Like many gardens on the west coast, the mild climate and acidic soil enables an amazing range of plants to thrive.

Visitors can see a wide range of flora that they can’t find elsewhere in Scotland, including tropaeolum, enkianthus, davidia, and many acer trees. Traditional fruit and vegetable gardens showcase delicious grapes, figs, apricots, peaches, nectarine, espaliered apples and plums. There is also a Woodland Walk surrounded by bluebells and azaleas, and a Spring Garden filled with rhododendrons.

In 1975 Donald Hutchinson began developing Kinlochlaich Garden Plant Centre on the site; it is now run by his daughter Fiona.

Staff at the plant centre are always happy to show visitors plants in the garden and give advice on growth and flowering times for anyone looking to bring home a bit of greenery.

Visitors are also welcome to stay in one of two self-catered cottages in the garden surrounded by the spectacular Highland landscape.

Website: www.kinlochlaichgardencentre.co.uk Telephone: 07881 525754

Opening times: 10am-4.30pm every day. Best to phone in advance mid-October through March.

Admission costs: Suggested £3 donation

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