Description:
A tiny slice of jungle nestled within a small triangular plot. To the front of the house are two beds planted with nectar-secreting plants. In a larger bed, a sea of Stipa tenuissima is studded with perennials. To the rear,a small patio is home to some bonsai, a collection of potted terrestrial ferns and stone troughs hold tender and hardy succulents. A serpentine path meanders through dense planting of palms, bamboos, bananas and tree ferns. Of particular note, is the use of hardy and tender bromeliads and a collection of aroids such as Arisaemia, Alocasia and Colocasia. Flower highlights are provided by lilies (species and cultivars) and later in the season, cannas and hardy gingers such as Hedychium and Roscoea. A large specimen of Schefflera taiwaniana cloaks the side of a summer house and rare Cordyline indivisa is staging a modest resurgence after the winter of 2021.
Directions: From the north take the A77 Ayr to Stranraer. At the roundabout, turn left onto the A713 and follow the road past the hospital to the junction with B742, turn right into the village and park in the White Horse car park at the T junction. The garden is on the corner of Burnton and Barbieston Roads. From the south take the A77 towards Ayr, turn right onto the B7034. Follow into the village, at Kirkton Inn junction turn left onto Barbieston Road. Bus 52 from Ayr.