A bumper weekend for visiting Scotland’s gardens
Garden visitors are in for a huge treat this weekend. Our famous rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas are at their glorious peak, fruit trees are blossoming, bluebells and primroses carpet our woodlands. The scent of freshly- cut grass and the joyous sound of birdsong hint at long days of summer. Scotland’s Gardens offers a great opportunity to explore nearly 500 gardens and support over 200 charities, large and small.
When garden owners decide to open their private garden for charity, they choose a time, months in advance, when their gardens will look at their most vibrant. This is a calculated guess, based on years of previous experience and would be a reliable theory except for one powerful factor. The weather.
This weekend, here are some stunning gardens opening their gates in aid of various charities.
Sat/Sun 13/14 May, 1pm- 6pm Dalnashean, Port Appin.
Cameliias, Rhodies and Magnolias, views to Lismore and Loch Linnhe, ponds and azaleas. There are two more open gardens to enjoy. Drumneil for mature trees, rhododendrons, deciduous azaleas and a small Victorian walled garden. Kinlochlaich Nursery Garden has a huge variety of plants to see and buy.
Sat/Sun 13/14 May, 1.30pm5pm Knock Cottage, Lochgair.
Specimen rhododendrons and shrubs, woodland, waterfall and lochan. Take in Crarae Garden which has an impressive display of rhododendrons, waterfalls, pools, and varied wildlife. Nearby Inveraray Castle Garden is outstanding.
1pm-5.30pm Braevallich Farm, by Dalmally.
Two beautiful gardens with specimen rhododendrons and azaleas, woodland burns, waterfalls, primula and meconopsis, mixed herbaceous and a kitchen garden. Traditional glen garden, pretty burns with waterfalls, peaceful open vistas.
Sat/Sun 20/21 May, 1pm5.30pm Strachur House Garden. Native woodland walks, ancient yews and maples, species roses, wild flowers, rare shrubs and wildlife.