GREAT GARDENS TO VISIT THIS MONTH

WINTON HOUSE, PENCAITLAND, EAST LOTHIAN

The gardens continue to develop and improve. In addition to the natural areas around Sir David’s Loch and the Dell, extensive mixed borders are taking shape for the terraces and walled garden. In spring, a glorious covering of daffodils makes way for cherry and apple blossoms. Enjoy an informative tour of this historic house, and walk off lunch and home baking around the estate. Open 10 April (12pm - 4.30pm)

WESTHALL CASTLE, INVERURIE, ABERDEENSHIRE

Set in an ancient landscape in the foothills of the impressive foreboding hill of Bennachie. A circular walk through glorious daffodils offers outstanding views and there is an interesting garden in early stages of restoration, with large groupings of rhododendrons and specimen trees. Westhall Castle is a 16th-century tower house, incorporating a 13th-century building of the bishops of Aberdeen. There were additions in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The castle is semi-derelict, but stabilised from total dereliction. A fascinating house encompassing 600 years of alteration and additions. Open 17 April (1pm - 4pm)

CLAYMODDIE GARDEN, NEWTON STEWART, WIGTOWNSHIRE

This romantic five-acre garden, designed and developed by the owner, an avid landscaper and plantsman, reflects half a century of work. It provides a range of timeless, intimate settings for a huge variety of plants from both hemispheres, all helped by the proximity of the Gulf Stream. Running through the lower part of the garden is the burn feeding a large pond which, along with the variety of plants and their backdrop of mature woodland, provides the perfect habitat for wildlife, in particular birds. There are changes in levels, but most of the garden is accessible to wheelchairs. Open 24 April (10am - 5pm)