Garden of the week

Logan Botanic Garden

Port Logan, Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway DG9 9ND.

Rightly known as Scotland’s most exotic garden, Logan Botanic Garden is home to a trove of plant treasures rarely seen here. Located on the southwestern tip of Scotland, and warmed by the Gulf Stream, Logan enjoys an almost subtropical climate. Its avenues and borders feature a spectacular array of plants from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America and Southern Africa: and there are some special treats along the way.

Highlights include striking palms and tree ferns, providing an exotic welcome for visitors at any time of year and the groves of Eucalypt are a constant delight.

From its strangely dormant winter stature to an awesome summer spectacle Gunnera manticata never fails to catch the attention.

While the Walled Garden, with its fishpond, showcases exotic plants with a sense of tranquillity, the Conservatory brings a taste of Victorian elegance, with the full 21st century technology that made it the UK’s first “all-green” Glasshouse.

As a Regional Garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Logan is a resource for plant research, habitat conservation and public engagement with the natural world. As such, it is home to many wild origin plants not often seen in cultivation, several under threat in their native habitats.

They add an extra dimension to visiting this garden which cannot fail to fascinate enthusiasts while also stimulating the youngest of children and total novices to the world of horticulture.

With the original garden dating back to 1869, and the influence of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh coming from 1969, Logan is a site of many surprises and delights for all. Check out too, its Potting Shed Bistro, guided tours, special events and exhibitions and the Silent Space Scheme.

Website: https://www.rbge.org.uk/visit/ logan-botanic-garden/

Telephone: 01776 860 231

Opening times: March to October 10:00 to 17:00, 1-15 November 10:00 to 16:00 Sundays in February 10:00 to 16:00

Admission costs: Adult £7.00, Concession £6.00, Child (15 and under) Free. Includes a voluntary donation. Standard Adult £6.30, Standard Concession £5.40.

Group rates (11+ people) £5.00. Call 01776 860231 to prebook.

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