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Total of 32 openings.
Bradystone House

Bradystone House

Murthly PH1 4EW
Mrs James Lumsden
Thursday only 6 - 27 June, 11am - 4pm (2024)
c67
T:01738 710308 pclumsden@me.com
A unique cottage garden converted from a derelict farm steading. Imaginative and abundant planting with unusual and special perennials, clematis, roses, abutilons and shrubs. There is an interesting and bountiful plant stall. Small vegetable garden and orchard, meandering woodland walks and a duck pond. A garden oasis in which to sit and dream. Garden groups welcome by arrangement. Dogs on leads please.

Directions: From south/north follow the A9 to Bankfoot, then signs to Murthly. At the crossroads in Murthly take the private road to Bradystone.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 60%
Cloan

Cloan

by Auchterarder PH3 1PP
Neil Mitchison
Saturday/Sunday, 8/9 June, 10am - 5pm (2024)
67
T:07958 155831 niall@fastmail.co.uk
Two acres of wild garden, with a wide variety of rhododendrons and azaleas, and an impressive collection of trees, including metasequoia, cryptomeria, Acer cappadocicum, Sequoia sempervirens, Quercus robur ‘Filicifolia’, liriodendron, several Japanese maples, magnificent beech and Scots pine trees, and extensive yew topiary; also an acre of walled garden with embothriums, Acer griseum, liquidambar, several sorbus varieties, parrotia and a large herbaceous border. Fine views of Strathearn from the front of the house. 

Directions: From the A823, just south of the A9, follow the small road heading north-east, signposted Duchally. Continue for approximately two-and-a-half miles, turn right at the sign Coulshill. Continue for just under half-a-mile. Follow the signs for car parking.

Admission: £4.00, children free
Charities: Tiphereth Limited: Camphill Scotland 60%
36 Muirfield

36 Muirfield

Perth PH1 1JJ
Rob Mackay and Amanda Brown
Sunday 9 June, 2pm - 5pm (2024)
046
T:01738 636527 mackaybrownjoint@gmail.com
A small suburban garden with a Japanese theme. The garden was designed and planted in 2019 with the aim of being low maintenance and offering a fun and safe environment for children. The Japanese features include a stone lantern, a water bowl, the placing of rocks, raked gravel and a timber building. The planting includes prunus, acer, bamboo, hostas, ferns and flowering plants. Foliage and texture are important elements. Views of the distant hills are seen as an extension of the garden in the Japanese tradition.

Directions: Muirfield connects Muirend Road with Burghmuir Road. 36 Muirfield is the white bungalow near the junction with Muirend Road on the left-hand side as you travel up the hill. The number 8 bus from Mill Street in the centre runs every hour, alight at Fairies Road just before the junction with Viewlands Road West. Go straight over the mini roundabout continuing along Fairies Road. At the next mini roundabout turn left into Muirend Road. Muirfield is the first turning on the right with number 36 the second house on the right. If coming by car please park on Muirend Road to avoid blocking neighbours' access.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust 60%
Mouse Cottage

Mouse Cottage

Strathtay, Pitlochry PH9 0PG
Penny Kennedy
Friday/Saturday, 14/15 June, 10am - 4pm (2024)
c4k9
T:07799 678067 mymousecottage@outlook.com
Mouse Cottage sits on a south facing hill overlooking Strathtay. Small but packed with interesting features, it is a semi-wild haven of secret places where self-seeders mix with annuals and more formal planting. The owner is an artist who adores her garden space and collects quirky planting containers such as dustbins and dolly tubs. Her Pear Parasol and Holly Brolly are amongst her favourite features. Gravel paths wind through shady places full of joyous surprises such as Crambe cordifolia.

Directions: From the A9 take the exit at Ballinluig signposted Aberfeldy. Go through Logierait, after about four miles turn right at T junction. At Grandtully turn right, over the bridge, up the hill to Strathtay Post Office. Turn right passing the golf course up to the red telephone box. Mouse Cottage is next opening on the left, signposted. Please beware of flying golf balls! NB: No parking at Mouse Cottage. On street parking possible at Strathtay. Bus 23 (Aberfeldy to Perth) stops at Grandtully Bridge.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries
Blair Castle Gardens

Blair Castle Gardens

Blair Atholl PH18 5TL
Blair Charitable Trust
Saturday 15 June, 10am - 5pm (2024)
345d7k
T:01796 481207 office@blair-castle.co.uk
Blair Castle stands as the focal point in a designed landscape of some 2,500 acres within a Highland estate. Hercules Garden is a walled enclosure of about nine acres recently restored to its original 18th-century design with landscaped ponds, a Chinese bridge, contemporary plantings, and an orchard of more than 100 fruit trees. The glory of this garden in summer is the herbaceous border, which runs along the 275 yard south-facing wall. A delightful sculpture trail incorporates contemporary and 18th-century sculpture as well as eight new works, letter-carving on stone from the Memorial and Commemorative Arts charity’s 'Art and Memory Collection'. Diana’s Grove is a magnificent stand of tall trees including grand fir, Douglas fir, larch and wellingtonia running along the Banvie Burn, with the 12th-century ruins of St Bride’s Church on the far bank.

Directions: Off A9, follow signs to Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website
Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries
Bradystone House

Bradystone House

Murthly PH1 4EW
Mrs James Lumsden
Saturday 15 June, 11am - 4pm (2024)
c67
T:01738 710308 pclumsden@me.com
A unique cottage garden converted from a derelict farm steading. Imaginative and abundant planting with unusual and special perennials, clematis, roses, abutilons and shrubs. There is an interesting and bountiful plant stall. Small vegetable garden and orchard, meandering woodland walks and a duck pond. A garden oasis in which to sit and dream. Garden groups welcome by arrangement. Dogs on leads please.

Directions: From south/north follow the A9 to Bankfoot, then signs to Murthly. At the crossroads in Murthly take the private road to Bradystone.

Admission: by donation
Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries
The Abercairny Garden

The Abercairny Garden

Abercairny House, Crieff PH7 3NQ
Liz O'Donnell
Saturday 15 June, 12pm - 5pm (2024)
2c67k
T:01764 652706 info@abercairny.com
The Abercairny garden which was originally designed by Lewis Kennedy is in the shape of a horseshoe and set within a wall. It is edged by huge trees that include Douglas firs and Sequoia sempervirens and it is laid out on three terraces. The top terrace is mostly formal, with mature informal beds on either side; these beds contain roses, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The second (originally called the Bowling Green) includes rhododendrons and fruit trees. The third is made up of gardens that have been created in the last sixteen years. Here you will see, amongst many new plants, a paulownia tree, different kinds of cornus and eight magnolias. There are lots of different varieties of candelabra primulas in the primula garden. At the bottom of this garden there is a stream and Kennedy’s two Swiss bridges. Look out for red squirrels.

Directions: Turn south off the A85 at the New Fowlis crossroads, following signs. Turn right into the estate grounds after 1.2 miles (opposite Kintocher Farm on the left) and follow the drive for one mile past Abercairny House on the left. Car parking for the gardens is in the car park opposite the castellated stables venue.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Anchor House Cyrenians: Perth 60%
The Abercairny Garden

The Abercairny Garden

Abercairny House, Crieff PH7 3NQ
Liz O'Donnell
Sunday 16 June, 12pm - 5pm (2024)
2c67k
T:01764 652706 info@abercairny.com
The Abercairny garden which was originally designed by Lewis Kennedy is in the shape of a horseshoe and set within a wall. It is edged by huge trees that include Douglas firs and Sequoia sempervirens and it is laid out on three terraces. The top terrace is mostly formal, with mature informal beds on either side; these beds contain roses, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The second (originally called the Bowling Green) includes rhododendrons and fruit trees. The third is made up of gardens that have been created in the last sixteen years. Here you will see, amongst many new plants, a paulownia tree, different kinds of cornus and eight magnolias. There are lots of different varieties of candelabra primulas in the primula garden. At the bottom of this garden there is a stream and Kennedy’s two Swiss bridges. Look out for red squirrels.

Directions: Turn south off the A85 at the New Fowlis crossroads, following signs. Turn right into the estate grounds after 1.2 miles (opposite Kintocher Farm on the left) and follow the drive for one mile past Abercairny House on the left. Car parking for the gardens is in the car park opposite the castellated stables venue.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: The Spafford Children's Centre 60%
The Bield at Blackruthven

The Bield at Blackruthven

Blackruthven House, Tibbermore PH1 1PY
The Bield Christian Co Ltd
Saturday 29 June, 2pm - 5pm (2024)
2c57
T:01738 583238 info@bieldatblackruthven.org.uk
The Bield is set in extensive grounds with well maintained lawns, hedges, flower meadow and specimen trees. A labyrinth is cut into the grass of the old orchard and there is also a wheelchair-friendly labyrinth. Traditional walled garden with colourful, richly stocked borders and lawns, cut-flower garden, healing garden, glasshouse, trained fruit trees and organic vegetable plot. Walk through extensive woodland and visit the old curling pond. Southton Smallholding is a social enterprise ten minutes walk away, featuring vegetable plots, polytunnels and a number of animals (not staffed on the day).

Directions: From Dundee or Edinburgh, follow signs for Glasgow, Stirling and Crianlarich which lead onto the Perth bypass. Head west on the A85 signed to Crieff/Crianlarich to West Huntingtower. Turn left at the crossroads to Madderty/Tibbermore. The entrance is left after a half-mile passing the gate lodge on your right. Parking signed to right at the steading.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Ripple Effect 60%
Bradystone House

Bradystone House

Murthly PH1 4EW
Mrs James Lumsden
Thursday only 4 - 25July, 11am - 4pm (2024)
c67
T:01738 710308 pclumsden@me.com
A unique cottage garden converted from a derelict farm steading. Imaginative and abundant planting with unusual and special perennials, clematis, roses, abutilons and shrubs. There is an interesting and bountiful plant stall. Small vegetable garden and orchard, meandering woodland walks and a duck pond. A garden oasis in which to sit and dream. Garden groups welcome by arrangement. Dogs on leads please.

Directions: From south/north follow the A9 to Bankfoot, then signs to Murthly. At the crossroads in Murthly take the private road to Bradystone.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 60%
Tomandroighne

Tomandroighne

Edradynate, Aberfeldy PH15 2JS
Ruth Howell
Saturday/Sunday, 27/28 July, 12pm - 4pm (2024)
27
Tomandroighne is a garden of just under two acres located on a steep bank overlooking the River Tay. Quirky sculptures, stonework and salvaged items add interest as this challenging site is gradually improved. The garden hosts a collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, flowering in sequence late spring and early summer. A spring-fed water garden is home to many bog-loving plants including gunnera, rodgersia, candelabra primulas and ligularia. In May a carpet of native Scottish bluebells gives way to herbaceous planting and flowering shrubs which give colour and texture all summer. There are many quiet areas for peaceful contemplation.

Directions: Coming from the A9, take the Ballinluig exit heading for Aberfeldy. At Grandtully turn right, crossing the River Tay via the metal bridge to Strathtay. From there turn left, following the signs to Cluny House Gardens for about three miles alongside the river. At the turning to Cluny House Gardens, turn right and then immediately left up a short steep drive. Tomandroighne is the white house at the top of the steep bank. Please note the SATNAV map location is not correct, we are about a quarter of a mile east of the location given, at the bottom of the road up to Cluny House Gardens.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: The Aberfeldy Dementia-Friendly Collaborative 60%
Bradystone House

Bradystone House

Murthly PH1 4EW
Mrs James Lumsden
Thursday only 1 - 29 August, 11am - 4pm (2024)
c67
T:01738 710308 pclumsden@me.com
A unique cottage garden converted from a derelict farm steading. Imaginative and abundant planting with unusual and special perennials, clematis, roses, abutilons and shrubs. There is an interesting and bountiful plant stall. Small vegetable garden and orchard, meandering woodland walks and a duck pond. A garden oasis in which to sit and dream. Garden groups welcome by arrangement. Dogs on leads please.

Directions: From south/north follow the A9 to Bankfoot, then signs to Murthly. At the crossroads in Murthly take the private road to Bradystone.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 60%
Drummond Castle Gardens

Drummond Castle Gardens

Muthill, Crieff PH7 4HN
Grimsthorpe & Drummond Castle Trust Ltd
Sunday 4 August, 1pm - 5pm (2024)
2857
T:01764 681433
Activities and events for a great family day out. The gardens of Drummond Castle were originally laid out in 1630 by John Drummond, second Earl of Perth. In 1830 the parterre was changed to an Italian style. One of the most interesting features is the multi-faceted sundial designed by John Mylne, Master Mason to Charles I. The formal garden is said to be one of the finest in Europe and is the largest of its type in Scotland.

Directions: Entrance two miles south of Crieff on Muthill road (A822).

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website
Charities: BLESMA 60%
Cloan

Cloan

by Auchterarder PH3 1PP
Neil Mitchison
Sunday 11 August, 10am - 5pm (2024)
67
T:07958 155831 niall@fastmail.co.uk
Two acres of wild garden, with a wide variety of rhododendrons and azaleas, and an impressive collection of trees, including metasequoia, cryptomeria, Acer cappadocicum, Sequoia sempervirens, Quercus robur ‘Filicifolia’, liriodendron, several Japanese maples, magnificent beech and Scots pine trees, and extensive yew topiary; also an acre of walled garden with embothriums, Acer griseum, liquidambar, several sorbus varieties, parrotia and a large herbaceous border. Fine views of Strathearn from the front of the house. 

Directions: From the A823, just south of the A9, follow the small road heading north-east, signposted Duchally. Continue for approximately two-and-a-half miles, turn right at the sign Coulshill. Continue for just under half-a-mile. Follow the signs for car parking.

Admission: £4.00, children free
Charities: Tiphereth Limited: Camphill Scotland 60%
No Photo

Auchterarder Allotments Association

Located behind St Margaret's Hospital PH3 1JH
Auchterarder Allotments Association
Saturday 24 August, 1pm - 3pm (2024)
2469
Embark on a journey from abandoned field to flourishing oasis at Auchterarder Allotments, transformed over eight years, hidden away off the High Street. Turning stony, weedy clay soil into a verdant haven of approximately 22 diverse plots, we champion the growth of local, nourishing, organic food, harmonising with nature both body and soul. Join us for a day of inspiration; indulge in tea and cakes (made from our own produce), explore with a guided tour, and engage in conversation with our passionate allotmenteers. Get inspired and embark on your own ‘grow your own’ journey.

Directions: Located behind St Margaret's Hospital. Access by foot from the High Street (Townhead) along a private lane between St Margaret's Hospital and Beechtree Place. Various parking on the High Street.

Admission: £6.00, children free
Charities: Auchterarder Community Sports and Recreation: Supporting green spaces project in the community. 60%
Bradystone House

Bradystone House

Murthly PH1 4EW
Mrs James Lumsden
Thursday only 5 -26 September, 11am - 4pm (2024)
c67
T:01738 710308 pclumsden@me.com
A unique cottage garden converted from a derelict farm steading. Imaginative and abundant planting with unusual and special perennials, clematis, roses, abutilons and shrubs. There is an interesting and bountiful plant stall. Small vegetable garden and orchard, meandering woodland walks and a duck pond. A garden oasis in which to sit and dream. Garden groups welcome by arrangement. Dogs on leads please.

Directions: From south/north follow the A9 to Bankfoot, then signs to Murthly. At the crossroads in Murthly take the private road to Bradystone.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 60%
Braco Castle

Braco Castle

Braco FK15 9LA
Mr and Mrs M van Ballegooijen
1 February - 31 October 10am - 5pm. February to early March for Snowdrops and Winter Walks. Admission £5.00, children free. No dogs please (2024)
b5d
T:01786 880437
A 19th-century landscaped garden with a plethora of wonderful and interesting trees, shrubs, bulbs and plants. An old garden for all seasons that has been extensively expanded over the last 35 years. The partly walled garden is approached on a rhododendron and tree-lined path featuring an ornamental pond. Spectacular spring bulbs, exuberant shrub and herbaceous borders and many ornamental trees are all enhanced by the spectacular views across the park to the Ochils. From snowdrops through to vibrant autumn colour, this garden is a gem. Look out for the embothrium in June, hoheria in August, eucryphia in September and an interesting collection of rhododendrons and azaleas with long flowering season.

Directions: Drive for one-and-a-half-miles from the gates at the north end of Braco Village, just west of the bridge on the A822. Parking at the castle is welcome.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: The Woodland Trust Scotland 60%
Glendoick

Glendoick

by Perth PH2 7NS
Peter, Patricia, Kenneth and Jane Cox
1 April - 31 May, 10am - 4pm (2024)
34d
T:01738 860260 gardencentre@glendoick.com
Glendoick’s gardens and garden centre with its award-winning café is the ideal spring day out in April and May. 2023 sees Glendoick Garden Centre celebrate 50 years. Glendoick boasts a unique collection of plants from three generations of Cox plant-hunting expeditions in China and the Himalaya. Enjoy one of the finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas, magnolias and other acid-loving plants in the woodland garden and the gardens surrounding the house. Many of the rhododendron and azalea species and hybrids have been introduced from the wild or bred by the Cox family. There are fine waterfall views in the woodland gardens. The award-winning Glendoick Garden Centre has one of Scotland’s best selections of plants including their world-famous rhododendrons and azaleas as well as a gift shop and café.

Directions: Follow the brown signs to Glendoick Garden Centre off the A90 Perth - Dundee road. The gardens are a half-mile behind the Garden Centre. After buying tickets at the Garden Centre, please drive up and park at the gardens (free parking).

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries
Explorers Garden

Explorers Garden

Port Na Craig, Pitlochry PH16 5DR
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
2 April - 26 October (not Monday & Sunday), 10am - 5pm. Last entry 4:00 pm. Please note payment is by card only. (2024)
3c846a7
T:01796 484626
Designed as a Theatricum Botanicum, to showcase art and horticulture in one place. The Explorers Garden celebrates the rich history of Scottish Plant Explorers of the past. Across our serene, seven-acre woodland garden, you will find each area is dedicated to regions across the world including a large Himalayan section which houses our Meconopsis, beautiful Himalayan blue poppies. There are breathtaking views, buildings and stone structures with unique odes to Pitlochry’s Pictish past. The garden is a sanctuary for our resident red squirrels and there is visiting art throughout each garden space. We have live theatre performances in summer in our very own amphitheatre. This really is a garden like no other.
National Plant Collection: Meconopsis

Directions: Take the A9 to Pitlochry town, then follow signs to Pitlochry Festival Theatre, (tickets available at the Theatre Box Office). Bus and rail travel are both available to Pitlochry from further afield.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries
Ardvorlich

Ardvorlich

Lochearnhead FK19 8QE
Mr and Mrs Sandy Stewart
13 April - 2 June, 9am - dusk (2024)
7
T:01567 830335
Beautiful hill garden featuring over 170 different species of rhododendrons and many hybrids, grown in a glorious setting of oaks and birches on either side of the Ardvorlich Burn. The paths are quite steep and rough in places and boots are advisable, especially when wet.

Directions: On South Loch Earn Road three miles from Lochearnhead, five miles from St Fillans.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: The Ghurka Welfare Trust 60%
Mouse Cottage

Mouse Cottage

Strathtay, Pitlochry PH9 0PG
Penny Kennedy
By arrangement between 1 January - 29 November (not Sunday) (2024)
3c4k9
T:07799 678067 mymousecottage@outlook.com
Mouse Cottage sits on a south facing hill overlooking Strathtay. Small but packed with interesting features, it is a semi-wild haven of secret places where self-seeders mix with annuals and more formal planting. The owner is an artist who adores her garden space and collects quirky planting containers such as dustbins and dolly tubs. Her Pear Parasol and Holly Brolly are amongst her favourite features. Gravel paths wind through shady places full of joyous surprises such as Crambe cordifolia.

Directions: From the A9 take the exit at Ballinluig signposted Aberfeldy. Go through Logierait, after about four miles turn right at T junction. At Grandtully turn right, over the bridge, up the hill to Strathtay Post Office. Turn right passing the golf course up to the red telephone box. Mouse Cottage is next opening on the left, signposted. Please beware of flying golf balls! NB: No parking at Mouse Cottage. On street parking possible at Strathtay. Bus 23 (Aberfeldy to Perth) stops at Grandtully Bridge.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries
Delvine

Delvine

Murthly PH1 4LD
Mr and Mrs David Gemmell
By arrangement between 2 January - 29 December (2024)
67
T:07748 207647 gemmell.david@googlemail.com
The gardens and arboretum at Delvine cover about 20 acres. The old gardens are on the Inchtuthil plateau, leading down to the more recent garden and arboretum which is situated on a flood plain, flanked by oxbow lakes on each side. This is the place to visit for those who seek a remote and peaceful setting. As one proceeds in a westerly direction, one departs from the traditional and enters an area of great drifts of chimonobambusa and miscanthus grasses with water and wildlife in abundance. The walking is easy. This garden will appeal to those seeking the unusual and also for those with an adventurous spirit.

Directions: On the A984, seven miles east of Dunkeld, four miles south-west of Blairgowrie.

Admission: by donation
Charities: ABF The Soldiers' Charity 60%
The Pond Garden

The Pond Garden

Pond Cottage, Middleton, Milnathort KY13 0SD
Fay Young & Ray Perman
By arrangement between 1 February - 31 December (2024)
67
T:07767 407396 fay@fayyoung.org
A wild woodland and wetland garden creatively adapting to challenges of climate change. We learn from resilient plants and thriving communities of birds, bats, bees, butterflies, red squirrels, swans and other wildlife. Woodland paths lead through seasonal highlights: snowdrops, daffodils, bluebells, foxgloves and ferns. Grand old beeches and oaks mark boundaries of former Victorian estate. Since mid 1990s we have rebuilt and recently retrofitted derelict farm cottage with external insulation and renewable energy. New plantings of native trees add spring and autumn colour. There are stone and willow features to discover and benches to rest by the pond.

Directions: From Milnathort village. At the mini roundabout in the centre of the village take the north exit (signed for Path of Condie) up Wester Loan, then North Street. At the top of the hill, past the church on your left, you will cross the motorway again. Carry straight on for 1/2 mile, the gate to Pond Cottage is on the right after a field opening.

Admission: £5.50, children free
Charities: CHAS: Children's Hospices Across Scotland 60%
The Steading at Clunie

The Steading at Clunie

The Steading PH10 6SG
Jean and Dave Trudgill
By arrangement between 26 March - 7 July (2024)
67
T:01250 884263 davetrudgill@googlemail.com
The Steading at Newmill is on the north bank of the Lunan Burn midway between Lochs Clunie and Marlee. There are paths that extend for 800yds along the Lunan, a small, colourful cottage garden with a fish pond, and 6 acres of woodland, ponds and a wildflower meadow. There are banks of wild daffodils that are at their best in early April. By early May there are primroses, carpets of cuckoo flower, wood anemones, and cowslips in the meadow. Mid-May sees some of the banks covered with bluebells. In the meadow there are 14 species of wild orchids that come into flower from mid-May until early July. A video of Newmill, lasting 8 minutes, can be seen by going to Youtube and searching for ‘Newmill: creating and managing an orchid meadow’

Directions: Three miles west of Blairgowrie on the A923. About 600 metres west of the Kinloch Hotel take the track on the left, just after a mobile phone mast and a breeze-block wall.

Admission: by donation
Charities: Save the Children UK 60%
Hollytree Lodge

Hollytree Lodge

Muckhart, Dollar FK14 7JW
Liz and Peter Wyatt
By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2024)
0857
T:07973 374687 elizwyatt@aol.com
A tranquil one-acre garden in the centre of the village. The garden is divided by internal hedges into different areas. Highlights include a small Japanese garden, mini orchard, naturalised spring bulbs and wildflowers, mixed herbaceous borders, rill and a wildlife pond. We have an interesting collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. A variety of other unusual trees and shrubs including various acers, giving wonderful autumn colours, a handkerchief tree, eucalyptus snow gum, and a Parrotia Persica (Persian ironwood) amongst others. We garden organically, aiming to keep the garden as pollinator friendly as possible, by working with nature, complementing our beekeeping interests.

Directions: Approximately 100 yards from the A91 (between Dollar and Milnathort) down the small lane directly opposite the entrance to the Inn at Muckhart.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund 60%
Bonhard House

Bonhard House

Perth PH2 7PQ
Stephen and Charlotte Hay
By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2024)
67
T:07990 574570 stephenjohnhay@me.com
Traditional 19th-century garden of five acres approached through an avenue of magnificent oaks. Mature trees, six classified by the National Tree Register as 'remarkable', including a monkey puzzle, sequoias, Douglas fir and a variety of hollies. Reinstated and new herbaceous borders. Rhododendron and azalea beds. Recently planted spring and summer flowering meadow areas with a variety of fruit and nut trees. Beehive and a productive vegetable garden. A new larch arbour with climbing roses and clematis. Grass paths meander through a pond area with shrubs and mature trees. A pinetum with 25 different varieties. Garden emphasis on wildlife habitat as well as aesthetics. Resident red squirrels. Plentiful and varied birdlife.

Directions: On the A94 just under a mile north of Perth take the right turn, signed Murrayshall Country Estate. After approximately one mile take the entrance right marked Bonhard House, at a sharp left turn. From Balbeggie turn left, signposted for Bonhard, one mile north of Scone. Turn right in a half-a-mile, pass any sign for Bonhard Nursery, and enter the drive at sharp right turn.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Freedom from Fistula Foundation 60%
Craigowan

Craigowan

Ballinluig PH9 0NE
Ian and Christine Jones
By arrangement between 7 April - 31 July (2024)
67
T:01796 482244 i.q.jones@btinternet.com
This is a specialist garden with a major collection of rhododendrons put together over the last 40 years; initially, mainly species from Glendoick following the plant hunting and discoveries of Peter Cox and the late Sir Peter Hutchison and others. In the last 20 years there have been added noteworthy hybrids sourced from Glendoick and the major English nurseries. Each year further additions are made and earlier introductions which have outgrown their original or secondary planting spot are moved to new locations. With growth rates tending to increase, this is a major exercise but the result is a constantly changing garden and more plants are developing into a spectacular presentation. Other plant types include magnolias, ornamental acers and a collection of unusual trees. There are areas of more formal beds where there is a large collection of meconopsis, lilies including cardiocrinum with roughly a hundred flowering each year. The rhododendron flowering period lasts from January to August but the best months are April, May and June. There is adjoining woodland which is being replanted with trees free of disease risk and with the larger rhododendrons which have outgrown the more formal areas. In June and July two large herbaceous borders give summer colour and interest.

Directions: From the north or south of the A9 to Ballinluig junction. Follow sign for Tulliemet and Dalcapon. Pass the filling station and Ballinluig Hotel. Turn right following the Tulliemet/Dalcapon sign; this is a steep narrow road so take care. About half-a-mile up the road take a left turning with fields on either side and Craigowan is the first house on the left about half-a-mile along. Park on paviours adjoining the house.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: LUPUS UK 60%
Pitcurran House

Pitcurran House

Abernethy PH2 9LH
The Hon Ranald and Mrs Noel-Paton
By arrangement between 1 May - 1 September (2024)
3c467
T:01738 850933 patricianp@pitcurran.com
This end-of-village garden was created 20 years ago. It includes an interesting combination of trees, rare shrubs and herbaceous plants including azaleas, rhododendrons, tree paeonies, trillium and veratrum. Also a rose pergola, eucryphias and a large west-facing hydrangea border for the later summer. Above the pond there is a good collection of pink and white-barked birch, and a young arboretum, from which there are fine views over the Earn and Tay valleys.

Directions: South-east of Perth. From the M90 (exit nine) take the A912 towards Glenfarg, go left at the roundabout onto the A913 to Abernethy. Pitcurran House is at the far eastern end of the village. Buses run through Abernethy from Perth and the surrounding districts.

Admission: £6.00, children free
Charities: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Limited 60%
Beech Cottage

Beech Cottage

The Wynd, Muthill PH5 2AP
Rosalyn Serex
By arrangement between 1 May - 1 September (2024)
349
T:07590 813509 rosalyn@serex.me
Nestled at the foot of The Wynd in the conservation village of Muthill, the garden is surrounded by the ancient trees of Lindores. The main attraction of the garden is the collection of 200 roses interspersed with companion perennials. A well planted Koi pond provides a relaxing area to be seated.

Directions: The Wynd is a street perpendicular to Drummond street. The street name is clearly displayed on the corner house. The cottage is at the bottom of The Wynd approx 80 meters/30 seconds walk slightly down hill. Please note The Wynd is very narrow and is not suitable for large vehicles and is extremely difficult to turn around. Recommend using Drummond Street to park where there are usually sufficient spaces. Bus routes in Muthill: 18 – Auchterarder/Crieff; 45 - Town Service/Crieff; 15A – Perth/ St Fillans or Stirling; 615 – Perth/ St Fillans or Stirling. Bus stops are on Drummond Street - from here head east towards the church/old church monuments.

Admission: by donation
Charities: The Dystonia Society 60%
Carig Dhubh

Carig Dhubh

Bonskeid, Pitlochry PH16 5NP
Jane and Niall Graham-Campbell
By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2024)
7
T:01796 473469 niallgc@btinternet.com
'I don’t know how Niall and Jane manage to grow their splendid meconopsis on the sand and rock of their garden but they do, most successfully.' In this stunning situation, when not admiring the views, you will find wonderful primulas, cardiocrinum and meconopsis, all interspersed between beautiful shrubs and other herbaceous plants. Look up and in July you will see roses flowering 40 feet up in the tree. This is a gem of a garden and you will be welcomed by Niall and Jane Graham-Campbell with all their expert knowledge.

Directions: Take the old A9 between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie, turn west on the Tummel Bridge Road B8019, Carig Dhubh is three-quarters of a mile on the north side of the road.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Earl Haig Fund Poppy Scotland 60%
No Photo

The Old Farmhouse

Dunning Road, Auchterarder PH3 1DU
Jane and Nigel Gallier
By arrangement between 1 May - 30 June (2024)
6
T:01764 662471 thegalliers@msn.com
A garden of approximately one acre with herbaceous borders, a gravel garden, vegetable garden, trained fruit trees in half-wine barrels, wild areas under-planted with bulbs, and woodland areas, with other areas still being developed. As you approach the house, look out for our kamikaze hens. The garden is not always immaculate; a well-ordered winter garden and a floriferous summer garden.

Directions: From the A9 take the A824 and halfway between Auchterarder and Aberuthven take the B8062 at Grand Eagles and head towards Dunning. We are on the left just before the A9 bridge.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: ABF The Soldiers' Charity 60%
7 Craigend Cottages

7 Craigend Cottages

Craigend, Perth PH2 8PX
Fiona Stewart
By arrangement between 1 June - 31 July (2024)
46
T:07468 303506 munro283@btinternet.com
This south-west-facing garden has a sunny, open aspect with an extended landscape to the front and back. It is an informal cottage garden with a dedicated, productive vegetable growing area including fruit bushes, dahlias and the lovely scent of sweet peas growing alongside. There are herbaceous borders with a colourful mix of flowers and shrubs many of which attract bees and butterflies. The soil is acid and so rhododendrons and pieris grow well. Also included are climbers such as clematis and honeysuckle, mixed hedges and a rose bed along with lawns, a productive greenhouse and a wildlife-attracting pond with beautiful water lilies.

Directions: From Bridge of Earn follow the main street and drive north on the A912 for about one-and-a-half miles passing the Earn Cafe on your left. Craigend Cottages are on the main road on the left-hand-side with number 7 at the Perth end of the row. From Perth take the Edinburgh Road (A912). Continue on the road passing Tesco on your left and straight on at mini roundabout. Continue with Craigclowan School on your right, pass under two flyovers and Craigend cottages are immediately on your right.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 60%