Delightful day at Dougarie

It was perfect weather for visiting gardens – sun, a light breeze and no midges – when Dougarie Estate held its annual open day last Tuesday.

In all 240 people came through the gate and enjoyed the gardens, and the teas in the 19th century boathouse and a total of £1,325 was made for Scotland’s Gardens charity initiative.

Taking place this year for the 36th time, the open day at Dougarie saw visitors view the terraced garden in the castellated folly built in 1905 to celebrate the marriage of the 12th Duke of Hamilton’s only child to the Duke of Montrose.

They also enjoyed a selection of tender and rare shrubs and a small woodland area that included azara, abutilon, eucryphia, hoheria and nothofagus trees, not forgetting a walk over the bridge with no sides over the Iorsa Water.

In addition to the open garden, teas and homebaking were served in the 19th century boathouse, where there was also a tombola and other stalls.

A total of 60 per cent of the funds raised will be donated to a local cause, nominated by the garden owners, which this year will be Pirnmill Village Association. The rest of the money raised will go to Maggie’s Caring Centres, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, Scotland, and Perennial – formerly the Gardeners’ Royal Benelovant Society.

01_B28dougarie02 Lucia Macmillan visiting her relatives in Brodick from Edinburgh enjoys the flowers in the garden.

01_B28dougarie07 Visitors explore the grounds of the estate.

01_B28dougarie05 Maisie Picken takes a close interest in the flowers.

01_B28dougarie11 The raffle and tombola were busy throughout the afternoon.

01_B28dougarie09 The new gamekeeper’s wife Suzi Ahlheid helps behind baking stall.

01_B28dougarie01 Visitors enjoy the gardens in the sunshine.

01_B28dougarie06 The plant stall does a roaring trade.