Garden Openings

Glendoick

Glencarse, Perthshire PH2 7NS
Cox Family

1 April - 31 May, 10am - 4pm, admission £5.00, children free. (2025)

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T:01738 860260 E:gardencentre@glendoick.com

W:www.glendoick.com

Glendoick’s gardens and garden centre with its award-winning café is the ideal spring day out in April and May. 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.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00196

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

Ardvorlich

Lochearnhead FK19 8QE
Mr and Mrs Sandy Stewart

19 April - 31 May, 9am - dusk, admission £5.00, children free. (2025)

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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%

Newliston

Kirkliston EH29 9EB
Mr and Mrs R C Maclachlan

From 1 May to 4 June, 2 - 6pm, (not Mondays and Tuesdays) (2025)

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T:0131 333 3231 E:newliston@gmail.com

A well preserved 18th-century parkland/designed landscape rather than a garden as such. Full of mature rhododendrons and azaleas, fine vistas and allées of trees. The walk around the woods and lake is a carpet of wild garlic and bluebells in the spring. The wood to the east of the house is in the pattern of the Union Jack, best appreciated by standing in the centre where all the radiating paths meet. The house, designed by Robert Adam, is also open.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00298

Directions: Four miles south of the Forth Road Bridge, entrance off the B800.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: CHAS 60%

Ascog Hall Garden and Fernery

Ascog, Isle of Bute PA20 9EU
Josceline and Jane Wheatley

1 May - 31 July, 10am-5pm (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only) (2025)

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T:01700 503461(house) 07824 393 009 (Josceline) E:janejoswheatley@gmail.com

The unique feature of this three-acre garden is its Victorian Fernery with its elaborate glazed roof, springs and ponds providing a haven for many exotic fern species, including Britain's oldest, a 1000-year-old King Fern. Surrounding the Fernery are newly-planted garden rooms featuring Australasian, Asian and South American species set within its original landscaping. While in many ways a young garden set in mature surroundings, with renovation works still underway, the well-labelled, exotic plantings carry on the curiosity of its founders in the tremendous diversity of plants.

Directions: Three miles south of Rothesay on the A844. Close to the picturesque Ascog Bay. There is a bus every half hour Rothesay - Kilchattan.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

16 Mulla

Voe, Shetland ZE2 9XQ
Linda Richardson

Saturday/Sunday, 10/11 May, 10:30am - 4:30pm (2025)

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T:07765 037516 E:linda@lindarichardson.co.uk

A garden on the Clubb of Mulla, a hillside overlooking Olnafirth with views of the sea and Lower Voe. Started in October 2016, the steep overgrown plot looked like a continuation of the moor at the back of the house. This garden shows what can be achieved in a very windy and exposed situation, battling against the extremes of the Shetland weather. Gardening with wildlife in mind, trees were planted in the spring of 2017, now providing shelter for birds. There are herbaceous borders, rockery, vegetable bed, 3.6 x 2.4 metre greenhouse, mini wildflower meadow strips and a natural water feature which is a long drainage ditch planted up with willows and water-loving plants. Always a work in progress, more trees have been planted to increase wildlife habitat. The owner is an artist-printmaker with an open studio that folk are welcome to look around too.

Directions: Eighteen miles north of Lerwick on the A970 is Voe. Pass the North Isles junction and Tagon Stores on your right. Turn right into Mulla and number 16 is up the hill on your left. Bus no. 21 (Hillswick) and 23 (Toft) stop on the main road at the bottom of Mulla.

Admission: by donation

Charities: RSPB: for projects in Shetland 60%

Cally Biodiversity Gardens

Cally Avenue, Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2DJ
Kevin Hughes

Sunday 11 May & Sunday 28 September, 10am - 5pm (2025)

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T:01557 815228 E:info@callygardens.co.uk

W:www.callygardens.co.uk

A one hectare walled garden containing an outstanding collection of rare and common plants from around the world assembled to create naturalistic habitat for our native fauna. Some plants can be found in no other Scottish Garden whilst many are first introductions to gardens in the UK. This is an example of gardening harmoniously with nature where declining birds such as Garden warbler can be seen nesting amongst Himalayan poppies & American Prairie plants whilst lucky people might glimpse harvest mice in our unique Grassland Ecology Garden. We use no artificial fertiliser or pesticide and this is also true of the plants we grow for our plant sale area which has a wide range of less common plants.

Directions: From Dumfries take the Gatehouse of Fleet turning off the A75, follow the B727 and turn left through the Cally Palace Hotel gateway from where the gardens are well signposted. A regular bus service will stop at the end of Cally Drive if requested.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: WWF-UK 60%

Cloan

by Auchterarder PH3 1PP
Neil Mitchison

Sunday 11 May, 10am - 5pm (2025)

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T:07958 155831 E: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, 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 2½ miles, turn right at the sign Coulshill. Continue for just under ½ mile. Follow the signs for car parking.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Tiphereth Limited: Camphill Scotland 60%

Tyninghame House and The Walled Garden

Tyninghame House, Dunbar EH42 1XW
Mrs C Gwyn, Tyninghame Gardens Ltd

Sunday 11 May, 1pm - 5pm (2025)

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The Walled Garden, Tyninghame Dunbar EH42 1XW (Mrs C Gwyn): The formal walled garden combines the lawn, sculpture and yew hedges, an Apple Walk, extensive herbaceous planting including roses and peonies with an informal arboretum. Splendid 17th century sandstone Scottish baronial house, remodelled in 1829 by William Burn.

Tyninghame House Dunbar EH42 1XW (Tyninghame Gardens Ltd): The gardens include herbaceous border, formal rose garden, Lady Haddington’s Secret Garden with old fashioned roses and an extensive wilderness spring garden with rhododendrons, azalea, flowering trees and bulbs. Grounds include a one-mile beech avenue to the sea. The Romanesque ruin of St Baldred’s Church commands views across the Tyne Estuary and Lammermuir Hills. Tyninghame has been awarded ‘Outstanding’ for every category in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes of Scotland.

Champion Trees: Two British and seven Scottish

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00380

Directions: Gates on the A198 at Tyninghame Village. Bus 120.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Leuchie 60%

18 Duchess Park with Westburn

Helensburgh G84 9PY
Stewart & Sue Campbell (18 Duchess Park) Sheila Baker, Cameron & Anne Foy (Westburn)

Sunday 11 May, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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18 Duchess Park The garden is small, about 40 years old, and is still being developed. The garden backs on to Duchess Wood, which is our local nature reserve. The rear garden is sloping with steps on one side and a gravel path on the other side to get to the upper garden. It is a woodland garden with two large oak trees, over 50 species and hybrid rhododendrons, and many other interesting woodland trees and plants. Sycamore in the wood behind the garden have been felled in the last year, giving more light at the back, and they have been replaced by trial planting of lower-growing shrubs and trees, both native and hybrid. Mid-May should be a good time to enjoy many of the rhododendrons in full bloom. Almost all the plants are clearly named!

Short guided wildflower walks in Duchess Wood will be offered during the afternoon by the Friends of Duchess Wood. The bluebells should be in bloom. If the weather is poor, "stout" shoes are recommended.

Westburn A woodland garden of just over two acres. The Glennan Burn runs through a woodland of oak and beech trees with bluebells in the springtime. Some of the paths are steep, but there are bridges over the burn and handrails in places. There is also an air raid shelter, and the remains of a kiln where James Ballantyne Hannay manufactured artificial diamonds in the 1800s. A lawn is surrounded by rhododendrons and azaleas, and there is a vegetable garden. Areas of the garden are currently being pruned and replanted.

Directions: From Sinclair Street, travel west along Queen Street until it becomes Duchess Park, a cul de sac. Number 18 is at the far end on the right. Proceed along West Montrose Street from Sinclair Street and take the fourth turn on the right. The entrance of Westburn is 100 yards up Campbell Street on the right-hand side.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Friends of Duchess Wood 30%, St Michael & All Angels Church 15% & Scottish SPCA 15%

Dalswinton House

Dalswinton DG2 0XZ
Mr and Mrs Peter Landale

Sunday 11 May, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:01387 740220 E:sarahlandale@gmail.com

Late 18th-century house sits on top of a hill surrounded by herbaceous beds and well-established shrubs, including rhododendrons and azaleas, overlooking the loch. Attractive walks through woods and around the loch. It was here that the first steamboat in Britain made its maiden voyage in 1788 and there is a life-size model beside the water to commemorate this. Over the past years, there has been much clearing and development work around the loch, which has opened up the views considerably.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00131

Directions: Take the A76 north from Dumfries to Thornhill. After seven miles, turn right to Dalswinton. Drive through Dalswinton village, past the red church on the right and follow estate wall on the right. Entrance is by either the single lodge or double lodge entrance set in the wall.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Kirkmahoe Parish Church of Scotland 60%

Belgrave Crescent Gardens

Edinburgh EH4 3AJ
The Residents of Belgrave Crescent

Sunday 11 May, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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City centre private garden of seven acres beside the historic Dean Bridge. Shrubs, trees, herbaceous and mixed borders provide a haven of peace close to the city, with wild areas and magnificent views of the Dean Bridge and over the Water of Leith.

Directions: The garden is a five-minute walk from the West End. Enter from the East Gate in Belgrave Crescent. Buses 19, 22, 36, 37, 41, 43, 47 and 113 (Dean Bridge stop).

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Fresh Start 60%

Dalfruin

Kirktonhill Road, Kirriemuir DD8 4HU
Mr and Mrs James A Welsh

Sunday 11 May, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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A well-stocked, connoisseur’s garden of about a third of an acre situated at the end of a short cul-de-sac. There are many less common plants like varieties of trilliums, meconopsis (blue poppies), tree peonies (descendants of ones collected by George Sherriff and grown at Ascreavie), dactylorhiza and codonopsis. There is a scree garden and collection of ferns. The vigorous climbing rose, Paul’s Himalayan Musk, grows over a pergola. Interconnected ponds encourage wildlife. This 25th year of opening will be our final year.

Directions: From the centre of Kirriemuir turn left up Roods. Kirktonhill Road is on the left near the top of the hill. Park on Roods or at St Mary’s Episcopal Church. Disabled parking only in Kirktonhill Road. Bus 20 (from Dundee) getting off at either stop on the Roods.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Kirriemuir Day Care Ltd 60%

Oakmore

Blairhoyle, Port of Menteith, Stirling FK8 3LF
Rachel Nunn

Sunday 11 May & Sunday 13 July, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:07872 068080

In 2014 this garden was a 3½ acre field with a small wood and lots of rushes. Under the hands of a gardening fanatic and her willing husband, you will see a maturing garden with raised herbaceous borders, young orchards, a developing shrubbery, a rose garden, a bog garden and a variety of species trees. This is a garden for real plant enthusiasts and to enjoy it to the full, good footwear is recommended, particularly if it has been raining.

Directions: Blairhoyle is on the Thornhill to Port of Monteith road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Strathcarron Hospice 30% & Macmillan Cancer Support 30%

Highwood

off Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4TF
Dr Jill Morgan

Sunday 11 May, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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A beautiful woodland walk around 50 acres of native bluebells and primroses in a delightful setting bordering the Green Water river with tumbling waterfalls. Great outdoor space for children to run and explore and splash in the burn (under supervision). A haven of tranquillity only three miles from the centre of Kilmacolm. This opening is raising funds for Buildher (buildher.org) a social enterprise owned by Orkidstudio.

Directions: Take the B786 Lochwinnoch road out of Kilmacolm and continue for approximately two miles. From Lochwinnoch take the B786 Kilmacolm road for approximately six miles. Turn up the road signposted for Killochries. Then follow the yellow SGS signs.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Orkidstudio 60%

Oldtown of Leys Garden

Inverness IV2 6AE
David and Anne Sutherland

Open daily (closed Thursday and Friday 1 May - 31 October), 8am - 8pm. (2025)

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T:01463 238238 E:ams@oldtownofleys.com

Established in 2003, on the outskirts of Inverness, with views over the town, this large garden of three acres has year-round interest. Spring rhododendrons and azaleas, summer herbaceous plantings, autumn trees and shrubs and winter appeal from the conifers, evergreens and structures. Features include a rockery, ponds, musical instruments, a stumpery and a new area of late summer colour.

Directions: Turn off Southern Distributor road (B8082) at Leys roundabout towards Inverarnie (B861). At the T-junction turn right. After 50 metres turn right into Oldtown of Leys.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 30% & Highland Hospice 30%

Burgie Arboretum

Between Forres and Elgin IV36 2QU
Hamish Lochore

Open daily, 8am - 5pm (2025)

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T:01343 850231 E:hamish@burgie.org

A rare opportunity to see a sizeable woodland garden/arboretum in its infancy. It has a good collection of rhododendrons, Sorbus, alder, birch and Tilia but also includes many unusual trees from around the world. The arboretum is zoned into geographic areas and species type. It includes a Japanese Garden, bog garden, bog wood, loch and quarry garden. First created in 2005 and is ongoing. Most plants are grown from hand-collected seed and propagated in the Georgian greenhouse.

Directions: A96 between Forres and Elgin. Four miles east of Forres. Six miles west of Elgin. Sign to Burgie Mains along the A96 is set in wrought iron decorated with horses and cattle. South off the main road and one mile to the Woodland Garden car park.

Admission: by donation

Charities: World Horse Welfare 30% & Sandpiper Trust 30%

Glenapp Castle

Ballantrae, Girvan KA26 0NZ
Mr Paul Szkiler

Open daily, dawn - dusk (2025)

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T:01465 831212 E:info@glenappcastle.com

W:www.glenappcastle.com

The 36-acre grounds at Glenapp Castle are secluded and private. Many rare and unusual plants and shrubs can be found, including magnificent specimen rhododendrons. Paths meander round the azalea pond, through established woodland leading to the wonderful walled garden with a 150-foot Victorian glasshouse. Fresh herbs and fruit from the garden are used every day in the castle kitchen. Much of the gardens were designed by Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932), the world-famous garden designer, applying the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement, who worked in collaboration with Edwin Lutyens. A new walk has been created opening up the Glen, where Glenapp’s Champion Trees will be found.
Champion Trees: Abies cilicica, Cercidiphyllum japonicum and Picea likiangensis

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00192

Directions: From the north take the A77 south. Pass through Ballantrae, crossing the River Stinchar as you leave. Take the first turning on the right, 100 yards beyond the river (not signposted). From the south take the A77 north, turn left 100 yards before the bridge over Stinchar at Ballantrae. The castle gates are one mile along this road.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Angus's Garden, Barguillean

Taynuilt PA35 1HY
The Josephine Marshall Trust

Open daily, 9am - dusk (2025)

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T:01866 822333 E:info@barguillean.co.uk

W:www.barguillean.co.uk

Created in 1957 as a memorial garden by Betty Macdonald of Barguillean for her son Angus, this picturesque nine-acre woodland garden is set around the tranquil shores of Loch Angus in historic Glen Lonan. Whilst famous for its extensive collection of hybrid rhododendrons and azaleas, this glorious garden cleverly retains the natural atmosphere of the landscape. Visitors can enjoy an informal network of paths, lined with spring flowering shrubs and bulbs, through native woodland and by shoreland whilst surrounded by the magnificent views of Ben Cruachan and the mountains of Glen Etive. This unspoilt natural setting attracts a wide range of wildlife, and the eleven-acre loch is home to swans and ducks. On the north-west side of the garden overlooking the loch stands Betty's bell paying tribute to her 40 years of work creating this magical garden. The garden reaches its full glory between April and the end of June but is a place of special tranquillity and charm at all times of the year. Three marked, circular walks from the car park taking between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. Not suitable for wheelchairs.

Directions: Off A85 Crianlarich/Oban road at Taynuilt, road marked Glen Lonan, three miles up a single track road, turn right at the sign opposite Barguillean Farm.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: SSAFA Forces Help 60%

King's Park Walled Garden

Kings Park, 325 Carmunnock Road, Glasgow G44 5HL
Friends of King's Park

Open daily, 9am - 4:45pm. Admission is free but donations to Scotland's Gardens Scheme are welcome. (2025)

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E:contactus@friendsofkingsparkglasgow.co.uk

W:friendsofkingsparkglasgow.co.uk

The C-listed walled garden within King's Park would have served as a kitchen garden for the original James Hamilton estate in the 18th century, with colourful beds and borders and fruit trees. In recent years, Friends of King's Park have adopted the garden from Glasgow City Council with the aim of reinstating it to its former glory. The garden is split into quarters, two of which the Friends have planted with trees, shrubs, perennials and spring bulbs between 2022 and 2023. The east-facing bed has been planted with weeping cherry trees, underplanted with a selection of bulbs and a variety of perennials. The north-facing bed has a row of beautiful cherry trees. The south-facing wall will showcase cordons of a range of fruiting trees, which the Friends extended over winter 2023. We aim to further enrich the experience of visiting this garden and as a charitable organisation, will continue to raise funds to fully restore the walled garden.
Champion Trees: Yew trees (in main King's Park)

Directions: Free on-street parking is available in all streets surrounding the park. King's Park is accessible by public transport: buses 5 and 31 for the Carmunnock Road entrances, 34 and 75 for the Menock Road entrance. King's Park train station is a two-minute walk from the Menock Road entrance.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Ardmaddy Castle

by Oban PA34 4QY
Mr and Mrs Archie Struthers

Open daily, 9am - 6pm (2025)

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T:01852 300353 E:minette@ardmaddy.com

W:www.ardmaddy.com

The gardens lie in a truly spectacular setting in the centre of a horseshoe bay, sheltered by mixed mature wooded hills and the castle atop a volcanic mound. The 18th-century walled garden has been much restored and improved over the last 50 years, hence its well-earned reputation as a plantsman's garden for all seasons.

In addition to the magnificent rhododendron collection, it is now also home to many rare and unusual shrubs and plants. These all sit alongside productive fruit and vegetable beds, all given formal structure by dwarf box hedges . The walled garden is flanked by shrub lined avenues bordering the burn, leading to woodland walks and a water garden. Don't miss the 60 foot Hydrangea petiolaris on Lady Murray's Walk and the towering stand of gunnera next to the ponds. The latest additions in an always-evolving garden are new medicinal herb beds and the beginning s of a new arboretum in the old orchard area.

Directions: Take the A816 south of Oban for eight miles. Turn right onto the B844 to Seil Island/Easdale. Four miles on, turn left to Ardmaddy (signposted) and follow for a further two miles.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Ardkinglas Woodland Garden

Cairndow PA26 8BG
Ardkinglas Estate

Open daily, dawn - dusk (2025)

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T:01499 600261

W:www.ardkinglas.com

In a peaceful setting overlooking Loch Fyne, the garden contains one of the finest collections of rhododendrons and conifers in Britain. This includes the mightiest conifer in Europe - a silver fir - as well as many other Champion Trees. There is a gazebo with a unique scriptorium based around a collection of literary quotes. For younger visitors, the garden features a Fairy Trail, Gruffalo Trail and Snakey Slide. It is a VisitScotland 3-star garden.
Champion Trees: The mightiest conifer in Europe and others.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00022

Directions: Entrance through Cairndow village off the A83 Loch Lomond/Inveraray road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Highland Liliums

10 Loaneckheim, Kiltarlity IV4 7JQ
Laura Evans

Open daily, 9am - 5pm. Admission is free but donations to Scotland's Gardens Scheme are welcome. (2025)

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T:01463 741698 E:shop@highlandliliums.co.uk

W:www.highlandliliums.co.uk

Highland Liliums is a working retail nursery with spectacular views over the Beauly valley and Strathfarrar hills. A wide selection of home-grown plants are available including alpines, ferns, grasses, herbaceous, herbs, liliums, primulas and shrubs.

Directions: Signposted from Kiltarlity Village, which is just off the Beauly to Drumnadrochit road (A833), approximately 12 miles from Inverness.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Raasay Walled Garden

Isle of Raasay IV40 8PB
Raasay Community

Open daily, 9am - 7pm (2025)

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T:07939 106426 E:raasaywalledgarden@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram

W:Raasay.com/the-walled-garden-raasay

Accessed from the road behind Raasay House, just a 10 minute walk from the Ferry Terminal, is the Category A listed community owned walled garden. Visited by Boswell and Johnson in 1773, the garden suffered neglect before coming into community ownership. Ongoing restoration began in 2013 and the 1.43 acre garden now supplies vegetables, fruit, salad, herbs and cut flowers to the community and visitors. Features an orchard, rose beds, polytunnels, a fruit cage, wildflowers for pollinators and insects, and plenty of seats. We have a composting toilet for visitors' use. June to August provide the most colourful time and our main produce harvests take place from May to September. We run events during the year - please check our Facebook page for details. The garden isn't always staffed, so please contact us for further details.

Directions: Take the Calmac Ferry to Raasay (20 minute journey) from Sconser, between Broadford and Portree on the Isle of Skye. The garden is an easy walk from the terminal and there is plenty to do and see on Raasay on foot, although cars can also cross.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Achnacloich

Connel, Oban PA37 1PR
Mr T M Nelson

Open daily, 10am - 4pm (2025)

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T:01631 710223 or Gardener David Field 07929 336217 E:davefield6@hotmail.co.uk & cassandhu@gmail.com

The 20-acre woodland garden overlooking Loch Etive has been planted over the last century with a wide range of trees and shrubs from Asia, China, Japan, North America, Chile and New Zealand. Many have grown to considerable size. The light woodland canopy consists of native oaks and a number of magnificent 150-year-old Scots pines and European larch. Amongst these are open glades, carpeted with bluebells and numerous other bulbs. Two ponds and streams are planted with primulas, iris species, lysichitum, and astilbes. The woodland contains innumerable species of rhododendron and azalea, of which the triflorums and yunnanense are outstanding. Amongst these are species of acer, betula, camellia, cercidiphyllum, cornus, crinodendron, drimys, embothrium, enkianthus, eucryphia, hoheria, magnolia, malus, nothofagus, pieris, sorbus, stewartia, telopea and viburnum. Beside the house is a giant Douglas fir from Douglas' original introduction. One of the first Dawyck beeches stands beside the drive. Fine autumn colours.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00007

Directions: On the A85 two miles east of Connel. The car park is at the bottom of the drive.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support 60%

Cambo Gardens

Kingsbarns KY16 8QD
Trustees of Cambo Heritage Trust

Open all year round. Cafe, gift shop and plants for sale throughout the year. Check our website for events throughout the year. (2025)

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T:01333 451040 E:hello@cambogardens.org.uk

W:https://www.cambogardens.org.uk/

Best known for snowdrops (mail order February), but exciting throughout the year, this Victorian walled garden features constantly evolving, magnificent herbaceous borders featuring rare and unusual plants, many of which are propagated for sale at Cambo. The garden is renowned too for its tulips and a stunning rose collection. Outside the main garden an inspiring Winter Garden and North American Prairie continue to be developed. Woodland walks to the sea.
National Plant Collection: Galanthus
Champion Trees: Bundle Beech

Directions: A917 between Crail and St Andrews.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Ardtornish

by Lochaline, Morvern PA80 5UZ
Mrs John Raven

Open daily, 10am - 6pm (2025)

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W:www.ardtornish.co.uk

Ardtornish Estate spreads out around Loch Aline, a huge, wooded, U-shaped bay, a natural haven. Wonderful gardens of interesting mature conifers, rhododendrons, deciduous trees, shrubs and herbaceous plantings, set amid magnificent scenery. Much of the garden is covered by native birch, alongside extensive planting of exotic species, under mature groups of larch, firs and pine, whose strong form and colour complement the pink sandstone towers and gables of Ardtornish House.

Directions: Three miles from Lochaline along the A884.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

The Hidden Gardens

25a Albert Drive, Glasgow G41 2PE
The Hidden Gardens Trust

Please check the garden's website for up-to-date opening details and events. (2025)

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T:0141 433 2722 E:info@thehiddengardens.org.uk

W:thehiddengardens.org.uk

The multi-award winning gardens have been designed to reflect the legacy of this historic site as well as the ever-changing character and needs of the local area. The north to south borders echo the layout of the site when it was a nursery in the 1800s, supplying trees and shrubs to major gardens in Scotland, whilst the retained tramlines and the chimney reflect its industrial past. A number of artworks are integrated into the overall design, for example Alec Finlay’s Xylotheque, a library of wooden books detailing 17 native Scottish trees. The Hidden Gardens is an independent charity offering learning and social activities and opportunities for the whole community to participate in its development. It is a calm, green space where you can relax away from the busy city streets: take a meditative walk along the square route path around the formal lawn; brush past the aromatic herb border; admire the white wall border with its herbaceous plantings and espalier fruit trees; stroll through the wildlife area; connect with nature in the woodland glade; and enjoy the naturalistic planting of the grassy or wild flower meadows or buy some young plants propagated here. Volunteer-led guided tours are available to book during most of the year, for free.

Directions: Travel directions are available on the garden's website thehiddengardens.org.uk/explore/visit/

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

The Japanese Garden at Cowden

Dollar, Clackmannanshire FK14 7PL
Cowden SCIO

Mainly open throughout the year from 10:30am - 5pm but you should check the garden website for winter closures and changes to opening times. (2025)

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E:sales@cowdengarden.com

W:www.cowdengarden.com

Created in 1908, The Japanese Garden at Cowden is listed as an important example of its type in Western Europe. Nestled beneath the Ochil Hills the seven-acre garden wraps around a large pond. Enjoy the meandering walk by the water, taking in the changing scenes created by sculpted landforms, carefully placed stones, clipped shrubs and original stone lanterns. Picnic area, woodland, shop and cafe. Please check the garden's website for all admission information.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00402

Directions: The entrance to the garden is from the Upper Hillfoots Road, about half a mile west from the junction with the A91.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Mellerstain

Mellerstain House and Gardens, Gordon TD3 6LG
Gill Harrop, Administrator

Open daily, 11am - 5pm (2025)

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T:01573 410225 E:enquiries@mellerstain.com

W:www.mellerstain.com

Mellerstain will be hosting three special open days to celebrate the garden and grounds at their finest. In February carpets of snowdrops spread throughout the grounds, followed by the glorious colour of rhododendrons and azaleas at the end of May, and finishing with stunning autumn colours in late October. 100 acres of mature parkland, formal gardens and lakeside walks set off this Robert Adam masterpiece. The formal gardens to the south of the house were designed in 1910 by Sir Reginald Blomfield in an Italianate style sympathetic to the earlier 18th century layout. These beautiful terraces with herbaceous borders and yew trees lead to lower terraces via a cryptoporticus, and then a sweeping expanse of lawn descends to the lake. Among the sturdy oaks and majestic beeches in the north parkland, you’ll find an enchanting tiny thatched cottage discreetly tucked away with its own parterre garden. A map is available of the woodland and lakeside walks, picnic spots are available and the cafe is open during the summer season. Look out for the Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep too!

Directions: The house is signposted on the A6089 Kelso-Gordon road. The approach from the A68 Jedburgh-Edinburgh road is through Earlston on the A6105, then via the B6397 towards Smailholm.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Glenwhan Gardens & Arboretum

Dunragit, by Stranraer DG9 8PH
Tessa and Ian Knott Sinclair

Open daily, 2pm - 5pm (2025)

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T:07787 990702

W:www.glenwhangardens.co.uk

Described as one of the most beautiful gardens in Scotland, Glenwhan Gardens is situated at 300 feet and overlooks Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway, with clear views to the Isle of Man. Forty-five years ago there was wild moorland, but now, following considerable dedication and vision, you can see glorious collections of plants from around the world. There is colour in all seasons and the winding paths, well-placed seats and varied sculptures, set around small lochans, add to the tranquil atmosphere. There is a 17-acre moorland wildflower walk, the chance to see red squirrels and well-marked garden and tree trails. Glenwhan has now been added to the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes, a record of nationally important gardens and designed landscapes and a major resource for enhancing appreciation and understanding of these sites, as well as promoting education and stimulating further research. Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: 'Glenwhan Gardens is an excellent addition to, the inventory.'

Designed Landscape: https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/decision/500003587

Directions: Seven miles east of Stranraer, one mile off the A75 at Dunragit (follow brown VisitScotland and yellow SGS arrows).

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Bught Lane, Inverness IV3 5SS
Pamela Sutherland

3 January - 21 December, 9:30am - 4pm (2025)

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T:01463 701019 E:inverness.botanics@highlifehighland.com

W:highlifehighland.com/inverness-botanicgardens/

We are the most northerly botanic gardens in the UK and host a wide variety of plants, shrubs and trees with year-round interest. There is a large Tropical House and a Cactus House with plants from around the globe. In spring come to see our bulb displays, in summer our herbaceous borders and specimen trees, in autumn for late herbaceous and leaf colour and in winter for evergreens, specimen trees in flower and those with wonderful bark. The GROW Project is also housed within our gardens which is run by a special needs group, it has an allotment, herbaceous borders, wildflower areas, ponds, children's play areas and much, much more! There is a lovely cafe onsite serving soups, sandwiches and cakes alongside local artworks and plants. We are a charity and so the entry is free with donation boxes to be found inside the cafe.

Directions: From Inverness city centre follow signs to Drumnadrochit. Then follow the brown signs to the Leisure Centre (turn left at the Cemetery before the canal).

Admission: by donation

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Gordon Castle Walled Garden

Fochabers, Moray IV32 7PQ
Angus and Zara Gordon Lennox

Please check the garden's website for seasonal opening details (2025)

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T:01343 612317 E:info@gordoncastlescotland.com

W:www.gordoncastle.co.uk

At almost eight acres in size, Gordon Castle has one of the oldest and largest walled gardens in Britain. Lovingly restored to its former glory with a modern design by award-winning designer Arne Maynard, this beautiful garden is overflowing with vegetables, fruit, herbs, and cut flowers. The onsite cafe has a ‘Plant, Pick, Plate’ ethos using wonderful fresh produce grown in the garden. There is a children's natural play area and shop.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00198

Directions: The main entrance is at the western end of the village of Fochabers, just off the A96, nine miles east of Elgin and 12 miles west of Keith.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Abriachan Garden Nursery

Loch Ness Side IV3 8LA
Mr and Mrs Davidson

1 February - 30 November, 9am - 7pm (2025)

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T:01463 861232 E:info@lochnessgarden.com

W:www.lochnessgarden.com

This is an outstanding garden with over four acres of exciting plantings with winding paths through native woodlands. Seasonal highlights include snowdrops, hellebores, primulas, meconopsis, hardy geraniums and colour-themed summer beds. Views over Loch Ness.

Directions: On the A82 Inverness/Drumnadrochit road, about nine miles south of Inverness.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Highland Hospice 60%

Logan Botanic Garden

Port Logan, by Stranraer DG9 9ND
A Regional Garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Open daily 1 March - 15 November, 10am - 5pm (4pm in November). Admission details can be found on the garden's website. (2025)

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T:01776 860231 E:logan@rbge.org.uk

W:www.rbge.org.uk/logan

Logan Botanic Garden lies at the south-western tip of Scotland, unrivalled as ‘Scotland’s Most Exotic Garden’. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, a remarkable collection of southern hemisphere plants flourish, making this a plantsman’s paradise. Logan enjoys an almost subtropical climate where the garden's avenues and borders feature a spectacular and colourful array of half-hardy perennials. The garden is warmed by the Gulf Stream which enables plants from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America and Southern Africa to thrive. Voted ‘Best Garden in the UK’ 2021, Logan promises a delightful day out for all.
National Plant Collection: Gunnera, Leptospermum, Griselinia, Clianthus and Sutherlandia
Champion Trees: Polylepis and Eucalyptus

Directions: Ten miles south of Stranraer on the A716 then 2½ miles from Ardwell Village.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Board Of Trustees Of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 60%

Abbotsford

Melrose TD6 9BQ
The Abbotsford Trust

1 March - 31 December, March, November and December 10am - 4pm, 1 April - 31 October 10am - 5pm. (2025)

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T:01896 752043 E:enquiries@scottsabbotsford.co.uk

W:www.scottsabbotsford.com

The garden was designed by Sir Walter Scott with advice from artists, architects and friends. It is a rare surviving example of a Regency garden layout and completely different from the English landscape garden style of Capability Brown. Scott’s garden aims to provide a harmonious transition between the luxury and comfort of the interiors of the house with wonders of nature in the wider estate through a series of secluded, richly detailed and sheltered ‘rooms’. In its day it would have showcased the latest plants discovered from around the globe, both in its borders and ‘stove houses’. Regular tours are held exploring Scott’s vision for the garden and the hidden meanings of its design. Check the Abbotsford website for details.

Directions: Off the A6091 near Melrose. Buses X62 and 72 from Edinburgh and Peebles. Train from Waverley to Tweedbank. Minibus or one-mile walk from train station.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Kinlochlaich Walled Garden

Appin PA38 4BD
Miss F M M Hutchison

3 March - 31 October, 10am - 4pm (2025)

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T:07881 525754 E:fionakinlochlaich@gmail.com

W:www.kinlochlaichgardencentre.co.uk

Octagonal walled garden incorporating a large Nursery Garden Centre with a huge variety of plants growing and for sale. Bluebell woodland walk and spring garden. Many rhododendrons, azaleas, trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, including many unusual ones such as embothrium, davidia, stewartia, magnolia, eucryphia and tropaeolum. A quarter of the interior of the walled garden is borders packed with many unusual and interesting plants, espaliered fruit trees, and with an ancient yew in the centre, and another quarter is vegetable growing.

Directions: On the A828 in Appin between Oban, 18 miles to the south, and Fort William, 27 miles to the north. The entrance is next to the police station. Infrequent bus Oban to Fort William - request stop.

Admission: by donation

Charities: The Appin Village Hall 30% & Down's Syndrome Scotland: West of Scotland Branch 30%

Braco Castle

Braco FK15 9LA
Mr and Mrs M van Ballegooijen

12 March - 31 October, 10am - 5pm (2025)

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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.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00067

Directions: Drive for 1½ 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%

Knock Newhouse

Lochgair PA31 8RZ
Mrs Hew Service

20 March - 30 September, 10am - 4pm (2025)

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T:01546 886628 E:corranmorhouse@aol.com

Like all good gardens, it has evolved over time. The garden is centred on a 250-foot lochan, a small waterfall and lily pond. The first trees and rhododendrons were planted in the 1960s, with major additions in the 1990s. A variety of cut leaf and flowering trees were added after the storms of 2011/12. As a result, the garden now has a wide range of specimen trees, camellias, hoheria, eucryphia, stewartia to name a few in addition to the azaleas and rhododendrons. January flowering is followed by spring flowers and bluebells and then into the autumn by spectacular colours. I am delighted to welcome visitors at any time.

Directions: On the A83. The house is not visible from the road. From Lochgilphead, a ½ mile south of Lochgair Hotel and on the left-hand side of the road, and from Inveraray on the right-hand side of the road a ½ mile after the Lochgair Hotel; the drive opening is marked and enters the woods. Bus Route - Inveraray to Lochgilphead

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: The Lochgair Association (SCIO): Village Hall Fund 30% & Cancer Research UK 30%

Glenarn

Glenarn Road, Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LL
Michael and Sue Thornley

21 March - 21 September, dawn - dusk (2025)

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T:01436 820493 E:masthome@btinternet.com

W:www.glenarn.com

Glenarn survives as a complete example of a ten-acre garden which spans from 1850 to the present day. There are winding paths through miniature glens under a canopy of oaks and limes, sunlit open spaces, a vegetable garden with beehives, and a rock garden full of surprise and season-long colour. The famous collections of rare and tender rhododendrons and magnolias give way in midsummer to roses rambling through the trees and climbing hydrangeas, followed by the starry white flowers of hoherias and eucryphias to the end of the season. There is a Silent Space at the top of the garden with views over the Gareloch.
Champion Trees: Notably Magnolia rostrata

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00193

Directions: On the A814, two miles north of Helensburgh, up Pier Road. Cars to be left at the gate unless passengers have limited mobility.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Amma : Birth Companions (SCIO) 50%

Inveraray Castle Gardens

Inveraray PA32 8XF
The Duke and Duchess of Argyll

27 March - 29 September 10am - 5pm & 2 October - 27 October 10am - 4pm (2025)

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T:01499 302203 E:manager@inveraray-castle.com

W:www.inveraray-castle.com

With Inveraray Castle as an imposing backdrop, the sixteen acre garden has formal, meadow, park and woodland areas and is one of the most important designed landscapes in Scotland. The formal gardens consist of vivid green manicured lawn; the Flag Borders, historically laid out in the shape of the St Andrew’s cross; a spectacular rose garden and herbaceous borders. A number of significant trees, including notable specimens of Magnolia acuminata and Oxydendrum arboreum, provide structure and form in this section of the garden. Colour is abundant from April until well into the autumn. The wildflower meadow is managed with native flora and fauna in mind and links the formal and informal parts of the garden. The carpet of fragrant bluebells is a feast for the senses throughout the spring, following straight on from thousands of narcissi. With views over Loch Fyne and the majesty of the West Highlands, the garden holds numerous rhododendrons, hydrangeas and other plants known to flourish in the Argyll climate.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00223

Directions: Inveraray is 60 miles north of Glasgow and 45 miles from Oban. Regular bus services from Glasgow, Oban and Campbeltown. SatNav PA32 8XF.

Admission: £10.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Blair Castle Gardens

Blair Atholl PH18 5TL
Blair Charitable Trust

28 March - 31 October, 9:30am - 5pm (2025)

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T:01796 481207 E:office@blair-castle.co.uk

W:www.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.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00059

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

Crinan Hotel Garden

Crinan PA31 8SR
Mrs N Ryan

29 March - 31 October, dawn - dusk (2025)

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T:01546 830261 E:macdonaldart.crinan@gmail.com

W:www.crinanhotel.com

A small, mature garden behind the Crinan Hotel which has been open with SGS for over 25 years. It is 100 years old and was originally the walled vegetable garden for the Hotel. In 1980 it was cleared and reinstated with azaleas, rhododendrons and herbaceous beds. Approached from a patio under ancient griselinia boughs, the garden catches the afternoon sun and is a peaceful escape!

Also enjoy the gallery on the rooftop of the hotel and a wonderful scone by baker Paul in the coffee shop by the canal basin.

Directions: Take the A83 to Lochgilphead, then the A816 to Oban, then the A841 Cairnbaan to Crinan. Daily bus.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 30% & Guide Dogs 30%

Norby

Burnside, Sandness, Shetland ZE2 9PL
Mrs Gundel Grolimund

1 April - 31 December, dawn - dusk (2025)

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T:01595 870246 E:gundel.g5@btinternet.com

A small but perfectly-formed garden and a prime example of what can be achieved in a very exposed situation. Blue painted wooden pallets provide internal wind breaks and form a background for shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants, while willows provide a perfect wildlife habitat. There are treasured plants such as Chionochloa rubra, pieris, Chinese tree peonies, a selection of old-fashioned shrub roses, lilies, hellebores and grasses from New Zealand. There is also a lovely selection of interesting art and textiles in the house.

Directions: Head north on the A970 from Lerwick then west on the A971 at Tingwall. At Sandness, follow the road to Norby, turn right at the Methodist Church, Burnside is at the end of the road. Bus 10 Sandness - Walls.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Survival International 60%

An Cala

Ellenabeich, Isle of Seil PA34 4RF
Mrs Sheila Downie

1 April - 31 October, 10am - 6pm (2025)

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W:www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk/view-details.php?id=447

A wonderful example of a 1930s designed garden, An Cala sits snugly in its horseshoe shelter of surrounding cliffs. A spectacular and very pretty garden with streams, waterfall, ponds, many herbaceous plants as well as azaleas, rhododendrons and cherry trees in spring. Archive material of Thomas Mawson’s design was found recently and is available to visitors.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00013

Directions: Proceed south from Oban on Campbeltown Road for eight miles, turn right at the Easdale sign, a further eight miles on the B844; the garden is between the school and the village. Bus Oban - Easdale.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 30% & Cancer Research UK 30%

Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

Isle of Skye IV55 8WF
Hugh Macleod of Macleod

1 April - 15 October, 10am - 5:30pm (last entry 5pm) (2025)

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T:01470 521206 E:info@dunvegancastle.com

W:www.dunvegancastle.com

Any visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without enjoying the wealth of history and horticultural delights at award-winning 5* Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, now an RHS partner garden. The five acres of formal gardens began life in the 18th century. In stark contrast to the barren moorland and mountains which dominate Skye's landscape, the Castle's Water Garden, Round Garden, Walled Garden and woodland walks provide an oasis for an eclectic mix of flowers, exotic plants, shrubs and specimen trees, framed by shimmering pools fed from waterfalls. After visiting the Water Garden with its ornate bridges and islands replete with colourful plants along the riverbanks, wander through the elegant formal Round Garden. The Walled Garden, formerly the Castle's vegetable garden, now has a diverse range of plants and flowers completing the attractive features, including a water lily pond, garden museum, 17th century lectern sundial, glass house and the 'Dunvegan Pebble', a rotating 2.7 ton Carrara marble sculpture. The informal areas of the garden are kept wild to encourage wildlife, creating a more natural aesthetic framed by the coastal scenery. The present Chief, Hugh MacLeod, and his dedicated team of gardeners, continue to build on this unique legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Directions: One mile from Dunvegan village, 23 miles west of Portree. Follow the signs for Dunvegan Castle.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Castle Kennedy Gardens

Stranraer DG9 8SJ
The Earl and Countess of Stair

1 April - 31 October, 10am - 5pm (2025)

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T:01581 400225

W:www.castlekennedygardens.com

Romantically situated, these famous 75 acres of landscaped gardens are located on an isthmus surrounded by two large natural lochs. At one end, the ruined Castle Kennedy overlooks a beautiful herbaceous walled garden with Lochinch Castle at the other end. With over 300 years of planting, there is an impressive collection of rare trees, rhododendrons, exotic shrubs and many spectacular Champion Trees. The stunning snowdrop walks, daffodils, spring flowers, rhododendron and magnolia displays and herbaceous borders make this a ‘must visit’ garden throughout the year.
Champion Trees: 95 in total; including 12 British, 30 Scottish, 44 for Dumfries and Galloway and 9 trees described as ‘otherwise remarkable’.

Directions: On the A75, five miles east of Stranraer. The nearest train station is in Stranraer. The garden is on a local bus route.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Tinnisburn Plants

Upper Millsteads, Canonbie DG14 0RY
Helen Knowles

1 April - 31 August (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), 10am - 4pm PLEASE NOTE the garden will not be open Friday 18 April (2025)

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T:07544 373815 E:helen@tinnisburn.co.uk

W:tinnisburn.co.uk

Developed over the last 36 years, this one-acre, plantsman's garden is home to an eclectic mix of truly hardy perennials, trees and shrubs. Planted for year-round colour and interest and to provide habitats for wildlife, there is something new to see each month. There is a woodland garden, rockery, bog garden, herbaceous borders and much more. Meconopsis grow well here and more are being planted out every year. In addition to the garden, there is a small orchard, wildlife ponds and mown paths through the wildflower meadows and, if you're lucky, you may spot red squirrels.
National Plant Collection: Scilla (Chionodoxa)

Directions: Take the B6357 north from Canonbie. At Harelaw turn left onto the B6318 and after 1 mile turn right onto our track. It is 1.5 miles long and is untarmacked but suitable for all vehicles. Just drive slowly and carefully.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Fauna & Flora International 30% & Macmillan Cancer Support 30%

Pitmuies Gardens

House of Pitmuies, Guthrie, by Forfar DD8 2SN
Jeanette and Ruaraidh Ogilvie

1 April - 30 September, 10am - 5pm (2025)

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T:01241 828245 E:ogilvie@pitmuies.com

W:www.pitmuies.com

Two renowned, semi-formal walled gardens adjoin an 18th-century house and steading, sheltering long borders of herbaceous perennials, superb old-fashioned delphiniums and roses, together with pavings rich with violas and dianthus. An extensive and diverse collection of plants, interesting kitchen garden, spacious lawns, and river, lochside and woodland walks beneath fine trees. A wide variety of shrubs with good autumn colour and a picturesque turreted doocot and a ‘Gothick’ wash house. Myriad spring bulbs include carpets of crocus following massed snowdrops and daffodils.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00215

Directions: From Forfar take the A932 east for seven miles and gardens are signposted on the right. From Brechin take the A933 south to Friockheim and turn right onto the A932. The gardens are signposted on the left after 1½ miles.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Attadale

Strathcarron IV54 8YX
Joanna Macpherson

1 April - 31 October, 10am - 5pm (2025)

3c67k

T:01520 722217 E:info@attadalegardens.com

W:www.attadalegardens.com

The Gulf Stream, surrounding hills and rocky cliffs create a microclimate for 20 acres of outstanding water gardens, old rhododendrons, unusual trees and a fern collection in a geodesic dome. There is also a sunken fern garden developed on the site of an early 19th-century drain, a waterfall into a pool with dwarf rhododendrons, sunken garden, peace garden and kitchen garden. Other features include a conservatory, Japanese garden, sculpture collection and giant sundial.

Directions: On the A890 between Strathcarron and South Strome.

Admission: £10.00, children free

Charities: Highland Hospice 60%

Monteviot

Jedburgh TD8 6UQ
The Marchioness of Lothian

1 April - 31 October, 12pm - 5pm (2025)

5d

T:01835 830380

W:www.monteviot.com

A series of differing gardens displaying rose and herbaceous plants surrounded by foliage plants. A water feature linked by bridges and falls passes through the Dene Garden and Water Garden. The Garden of Persistent Imagination is planted with rose and clematis beside paths which meander across a bridge and under the Moonstone Gate, past the Dali-style clock.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00288

Directions: Turn off the A68, three miles north of Jedburgh on to the B6400. After one mile turn right.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Craigieburn House

by Moffat DG10 9LF
Janet and Peter McGowan

20 April - 31 October, 10:30am - 5pm (2025)

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T:07557 928648 E:bideshi2024@outlook.com

A beautiful and varied six-acre, plant-lovers' garden in a natural location in scenic Moffat Dale. Meconopsis, trilliums, rhododendrons, magnolias, arisaemas, bamboos, hoherias and many more types of plants flourish in the shelter of mature woodland. A Himalayan glen has been recreated with plants from the region where the Craigie Burn tumbles down a gorge with a series of waterfalls. Downstream is a fern garden with over 70 varieties. Candelabra primulas, rodgersias, cardiocrinum, orchids and other rare plants thrive in the bog garden and woodland glades. Double herbaceous borders come into their own later in the summer and keep the display going throughout the season. Other garden areas include a rose garden, formal pond and autumn garden. A nursery sells hardy plants propagated on site, many of them rare or unusual. The garden has been created over the past 30 years by Janet and Peter, with Dawa Sherpa, building on its old setting, and continues to evolve. Its links to Robert Burns – including his song 'Craigieburn Wood' – provide another layer of history.

Directions: Three miles from the A74(M) (junction 15), two miles east of Moffat on the A708 Selkirk Road. Coming from Moffat, there are traffic lights straight ahead at the end of the bend. You can't miss the lodge and prayer flags.

Admission: by donation

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Bughtrig

near Leitholm, Coldstream TD12 4JP
Mr and Mrs William Ramsay

1 May - 30 September, 9am - 4:30pm (2025)

67

E:ramsay@bughtrig.co.uk

A traditional, hedged, Scottish family garden with an interesting combination of sculpture, herbaceous plants, shrubs, annuals and fruit. It is surrounded by fine specimen trees, which provide remarkable shelter. In the grounds of Bughtrig Gardens is the recently opened Admiral Ramsay Museum, which has been created in memory of all who served at D-Day, Dunkirk and during World War II.

Directions: ¼ mile east of Leitholm on the B6461.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Floors Castle

Kelso TD5 7SF
The Duke of Roxburghe

1 May - 30 September, 10am - 5pm, admission details can be found on the garden's website. The Walled Garden, Terrace Cafe and Apple Shed are also open all year round and access to those during the winter months is via the B6397 only, NOT via the main entrance to the Castle on Roxburgh Street. (2025)

6d7

T:01573 223333

W:www.floorscastle.com

The gardens are situated within the grounds of Floors Castle. Meander through to the formal Millennium Parterre and soak up the spectacular visions of colour, texture and the most delicious scents around the four herbaceous borders in one of the finest Victorian kitchen gardens in Scotland. Features include perennial gardens, fruit cage, Tapestry Garden and glasshouse access as well as the Terrace Cafe, Apple Shed Gift Shop and Deli and children’s play area. Explore the grounds, which offer woodland and riverside walks from May to the end of September.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00181

Directions: Floors Castle can be reached by following the A6089 from Edinburgh; the B6397 from Earlston; or the A698 from Coldstream. Go through Kelso, up Roxburgh Street to the Golden Gates.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

The Castle and Gardens of Mey

Mey KW14 8XH
The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust

1 May - 30 May, 10:30am - 4pm (2025)

36k

T:01847 851473 E:enquiries@castleofmey.org.uk

W:www.castleofmey.org.uk

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the late Queen Mother, bought what was then Barrogill Castle in 1952 before renovating and restoring the z-plan castle and creating the beautiful gardens you see today, renaming it The Castle and Gardens of Mey. This romantic and unique garden is a reminder that, however daunting the weather, it is often possible with a little vision and energy to create and maintain a garden in the most unlikely of locations. The castle now includes an animal centre, gift shop and tearoom serving delicious locally sourced food and drinks, often using produce from the castle’s very own gardens.

Directions: On the A836 between Thurso and John O’Groats.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Balmeanach House

Balmeanach, nr Struan, Isle of Skye IV56 8FH
Mrs Arlene Macphie

1 May - 4 October, 11am - 4pm (2025)

2c7

T:01470 572320 E:info@skye-holiday.com

W:www.skye-holiday.com

Very much a plantsman's garden, begun in the early 1990s after a third-of-an-acre of croft land was fenced. A shelter belt now permits a plethora of diverse plants in exuberant herbaceous borders, which give nectar and pollen to keep the buzzing and fluttering going until autumn, plus rockeries and raised beds. Native trees rub shoulders with more exotic ornamental varieties, providing a canopy for shade-loving plants and nesting sites for the many birds who make the garden their home. A small pond in a sunken garden; a larger pond divided in two by a path over a culvert and a bog garden, give scope for marginal and moisture-loving plants. Meandering pathways lead through a small bluebell wood, an arbour garden, shrubbery and small birch wood, full of azaleas and rhododendrons. Plenty of seating throughout provides an invitation to sit, relax and enjoy the garden and stunning scenery beyond.

Directions: A87 to Sligachan, turn left and Balmeanach is five miles north of Struan and five miles south of Dunvegan.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Scottish SPCA 30% & Redwings 30%

Dunninald Castle

Montrose DD10 9TD
The Stansfeld family

1 May - 31 August (Monday, Tuesday & Sunday), 1pm - 5pm (2025)

6d7

T:01674 672031 E:estateoffice@dunninald.com

W:www.dunninald.com

We welcome our visitors to explore our 100 acres of woods, wild garden, policies and a walled garden. From January to May, the main interest is the wild garden and policies where snowdrops in January are followed by daffodils and finally bluebells in May. In June, the emphasis turns to the walled garden, rich in interest and colour throughout the summer. Situated at the bottom of the beech avenue, the walled garden is planted with rose borders, traditional mixed borders, vegetables, herbs, soft fruits and fruit trees and there is a greenhouse.

Designed Landscape: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00159

Directions: Three miles south of Montrose, ten miles north of Arbroath, signposted from the A92.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Dougarie

Isle of Arran KA27 8EB
Mrs S C Gibbs

By arrangement (2025)

7

E:laviniawgibbs@gmail.com

Most interesting terraced garden in a castellated folly built in 1905 to celebrate the marriage of the 12th Duke of Hamilton’s only child to the Duke of Montrose. Good selection of tender and rare shrubs and herbaceous border. Small woodland area with trees including azara, abutilon, eucryphia, hoheria and nothofagus.

Directions: Five miles from Blackwaterfoot. Regular ferry sailing from Ardrossan and Claonaig (Argyll). Information from Caledonian MacBrayne, Gourock, T: 01475 650100. Parking is free.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Pirnmill Village Association 60%

Kilchoan Gardens

Kilmelford PA34 4XD
Kilchoan Estate/ Luke Senior - Head Gardener

By arrangement (2025)

679

T:07425 054 743 or 01852 200 500 E:luke@kilchoanestate.co.uk

An eclectic private garden, open on specific dates and year round by appointment.

Since 2016, when Kilchoan Estate was taken into new ownership, the grounds have been developed and expanded; areas that had fallen into ruin and garden spaces reclaimed by nature have been uncovered; surviving plantings and mature trees have been enhanced; the footprint of further expansive garden and policies laid out.

A cosmopolitan collection of plants and artwork are displayed throughout the grounds, featuring a Himalayan garden, walled garden, arboretum with International Conifer Conservation Program collection, formal planting within native woodlands. Planting has been designed with conservation, diversity and beauty in mind, providing year-round interest. There is plenty to see and many places to sit, rest and reflect.

The chapel will be open. Teas available on SGS specific dates.

Directions: 4.5 miles along the road from the A816 turn off south of Kilmelford signed Degnish. Turn left after 1.5 miles at the bridge and Melfort Holiday Village. Follow this for 3 miles and look out for signage.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: The Kilchoan Melfort Trust 30% & Netherlorn (Church of Scotland): Kilmelford Church New Annexe 30%

Laundry Cottage

Culdrain, Gartly, Huntly AB54 4PY
Judith McPhun

By arrangement between Open by arrangement 1 January - 31 December, admission £5.00, children free. Snowdrops during February and March. Groups of up to 12 welcome. (2025)

b046

T:01466 720768 E:judithmcphun@icloud.com

An informal, cottage-style garden of about one-and-a-half acres by the River Bogie. Two contrasting steep slopes make up the wilder parts. The more intensively-gardened area around the cottage includes a wide variety of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, an orchard area and fruit and vegetable plots, making a garden of year-round interest.

Directions: Four miles south of Huntly on the A97.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust 60%

Craichlaw

Kirkcowan, Newton Stewart DG8 0DQ
Mr and Mrs Andrew Gladstone

By arrangement (2025)

b46

T:01671 830208 E:craichlaw@aol.com

Formal garden with herbaceous borders around the house. Set in extensive grounds with lawns, lochs and woodland. A path around the main loch leads to a water garden returning past a recently planted arboretum in the old walled garden. The best times to visit the garden are early February for snowdrops, May to mid-June for the water garden and rhododendrons, and mid-June to August for herbaceous borders.

Directions: Take the B733 for Kirkcowan, off the A75 at the Halfway House eight miles west of Newton Stewart and Craichlaw House is the first turning on the right.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Barholm Castle

Gatehouse of Fleet DG7 2EZ
Drs John and Janet Brennan

By arrangement (2025)

b467

T:01557 840327 E:barholmcastle@gmail.com

Barholm Castle, a 16th-century tower, was restored from a ruin in 2005. The gardens surrounding the tower have been mostly developed from scratch and are now mature. There is a recently-extended walled garden, with a gate designed by the artist blacksmith Adam Booth; a courtyard garden; a wooded ravine with huge hybrid rhododendrons from Benmore; a pond and a large fernery with over 100 varieties of fern, including very large tree ferns; a large Victorian-style greenhouse filled with succulents and tender perennials; and a large open garden with island beds of shrubs and perennials and a pond. Directly around the castle are rockeries and shrub borders. Views over Wigtown Bay are magnificent. The garden is planted for year-round colour, from February, when the castle ravine is a river of snowdrops, to October, when autumn colour is splendid.

Directions: Off the A75 at the Cairn Holy turn off, fork right three times and drive up a steep narrow road for half-a-mile.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Home-Start Wigtownshire 60%

Kevock Garden

16 Kevock Road, Lasswade EH18 1HT
David and Stella Rankin

By arrangement between 1 January - 29 December (2025)

4

E:stella@kevockgarden.co.uk

W:www.kevockgarden.co.uk

This wonderful hillside garden has magnificent views over the North Esk Valley. Its steep slope creates a range of different habitats with a wide diversity of plants, ranging from those that love hot, sunny conditions to those that prefer the cool, damp places near the pond and woodland glades. Mature specimen trees, rhododendrons, azaleas and unusual shrubs are underplanted with many rare woodland plants. Lawns have been relaid, surrounding borders have been planted, and there is a new rock garden. Kevock Garden has featured in many magazine articles and gardening programmes.

Directions: Kevock Road lies to the south of the A678 Loanhead/Lasswade Road. Five minutes from the city bypass Lasswade Junction and on the 31 Lothian Bus route to Polton/Bonnyrigg Road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Fischy Music 60%

The Limes

Kirkcudbright DG6 4XD
David and Carolyn McHale

By arrangement (2025)

6

E:carolyn.mchale@btinternet.com

This one-and-a-quarter acre plantswoman’s garden has a variety of different plant habitats: woodland, dry sunny gravel beds, rock garden, crevice garden and mixed perennial and shrub borders. There is also a large productive vegetable garden. The McHales like to grow most of their plants from seed obtained through various international seed exchanges. You can expect to see a large number of unusual and exciting plants. The garden is full of colour with an abundance of spring flowers in March, and in late May and early June the meconopsis should be at their best. The gravel garden comes into its own in July and continues through until winter. Hardy cyclamen are a big favourite and one species or another is in flower in almost every month of the year. Winter is a good time to admire their varied leaf forms.

Directions: In Kirkcudbright go straight along St Mary Street towards Dundrennan. The Limes is on the right, about half a mile from the town centre crossroads, on the edge of the town.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Friends Of Kirkcudbright Swimming Pool 60%

Charleston Forest Garden

43 Gourdie Terrace, Dundee DD2 4QT
L Wakefield

By arrangement (2025)

47

E:charlestonforestgarden@gmail.com

A young forest garden in Dundee, practising permaculture principles. Perennial vegetables are scattered throughout the garden, along with medicinal herbs, fruit trees, edible hedges and ornamental edible plants. A small flock of chickens contribute to a composting system and there is also a 'chop and drop' approach being used. This garden is home to some Scottish heirloom vegetable varieties, with the intention to save seeds to share. There is a small patch of alpines and a number of roses throughout, along with some purely ornamental herbaceous perennials, mostly grown with pollinators and wildlife in mind.

Directions: In the centre of Charleston, Dundee, with some parking on Gourdie Terrace and Balgarthno Road. The number 28 bus stops around the corner at the community centre.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Dementia UK 60%

Stockarton

Kirkcudbright DG6 4XS
Lt Col and Mrs Richard Cliff

By arrangement (2025)

67

T:01557 330430

This garden was started in 1995 by Carola Cliff, a keen and knowledgeable plantswoman, and contains a collection of unusual shrubs and small trees, which are growing well. Her aim has been to create different informal gardens around a Galloway farm house, leading down to a lochan. Above the lochan there is a sweet cottage, used for holiday retreats, with its own interesting garden. In 1996 a three-acre arboretum was planted as a shelter belt and it now contains some rare oak trees.

Directions: On the B727 Kirkcudbright to Gelston Road. Kirkcudbright three miles, Castle Douglas seven miles.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Loch Arthur 60%

Ruthven House

near Coldstream TD12 4JU
Keith and Karen Fountain

By arrangement between 1 January - 12 September (2025)

067

T:01890 840680 E:ruthvenhouse@btconnect.com

The three acres of Ruthven’s garden have lovely views towards the Cheviots. The garden’s central feature is two ponds joined by a winding stream. The garden is composed of various differing areas - herbaceous borders, woodland areas, a gravel garden, a knot garden, rockeries, an orchard laid to meadow, a kitchen garden, a highland garden, a nuttery, a small lavender field, a shade bed to the back of the house and, adjacent to the house, a formal rose garden. A small fold of Highland cattle in the adjacent field complete the scene. The garden is constantly evolving but this year we will not be having an open garden day to allow for a sustained period of development and renewal. Visitors by arrangement, as ever, will be very welcome.

Directions: Four miles north of Coldstream, and one mile south of Swinton Mill, on the old Duns road.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Scottish Action for Mental Health 60%

Mouse Cottage

Strathtay, Pitlochry PH9 0PG
Penny Kennedy

By arrangement between 1 January - 29 November (2025)

4k

T:07799 678067 E:mymousecottage@outlook.com

W:www.mymousecottage.co.uk

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. Self catering and B & B accommodation is available at: www.mymousecottage.co.uk

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

Dawson's Garden

The Old Post Office, Kilmany KY15 4PT
Liz Murray

By arrangement between 6 January - 21 December (2025)

45e

T:07531 571045 E:kilmanyartist@gmail.com

A small cottage garden, full of surprises. Developed from a bare rectangle of grass by the late artist Dawson Murray, it was designed to please the senses all year round with colour, form and scent. Stone paths edged with box meander out of sight past 13 apple trees and a plum tree; two varieties of fig; both a red and a green grape vine and roses chosen for scent. There are plenty of areas to sit and relax: by the pond, in a small grassy area through a rose and clematis arch, outside the studio facing the kitchen garden or up on the patio. All are accessible by wheelchair.
Champion Trees: Red Hazel

Directions: The Old Post Office is in the centre of the small hamlet of Kilmany, just off the A92, eight miles from Dundee or 1½ miles after Rathillet coming from the opposite direction. It can also be reached from Cupar via Foodieash.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Overcoming MS 60%

Harthill

Reediehill Farm, Auchtermuchty KY14 7HS
Nichola and John Fletcher

By arrangement between 6 January - 31 October (2025)

2c67

T:01337 828369 E:info@nicholafletcher.com

W:www.nicholafletcher.com

Harthill enjoys a tranquil setting in the hills just above Auchtermuchty with beautiful views and, if you are lucky, sightings of the stunning herd of white deer who also live there. The garden, of approximately one acre, offers a large varied flower garden with vegetable, fruit and nursery areas; two separate wild gardens planted with specimen trees, a lochan and a small woodland. In late May to early June our meconopsis and primula beds, with woodland plants, are at their best. Summer offers herbaceous interest including a pergola dripping with roses and a large mound with grasses, thalictrum and many large plants. Autumn colours are in the trees and shrubs, with grasses and cyclamen through to early winter.

Directions: Find 'Reediehill Deer Farm' on Google maps. Go 50 metres up the concrete drive then turn left at Harthill sign. Continue over the cattle grid up the drive to reach Harthilll house. Directions can be emailed.

Admission: by donation

Charities: TST: The Tim Stead Trust 60%

The Pond Garden

The Pond, Milnathort KY13 0SD
Fay Young and Ray Perman

By arrangement between 1 February - 31 December (2025)

67

T:07767 407396 E:fay@fayyoung.org

W:fayyoung.org/category/pond-cottage/

A wild woodland and wetland garden adapting to climate change. We learn from resilient plants and wildlife. There are flowers, fruits, seeds, and nuts to support birds, bats, bees, butterflies, red squirrels and tiny unknowns! Woodland paths lead through snowdrops, daffodils, bluebells, foxgloves, and ferns. Mature beeches and oaks mark boundaries of former Victorian estate. Mosses and mushrooms grow among log piles, stone shapes, and a stumpery. Since mid 1990s we have rebuilt and retrofitted the derelict farm cottage with external insulation and renewable energy. Now we plan Himalayan and native Scottish plantings overlooking the streams.

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%

Madeira

Grangemuir, Pittenweem KY10 2RB
Tara Macdonald

By arrangement between 1 February - 30 September (Tuesday & Thursday). (2025)

b47k

T:07867 798746 E:tara@madeirainfife.com

W:www.madeirainfife.com

Madeira is a wonderful, ten-acre eco garden with a Victorian walled garden at its centre. We have an orchard and vegetable garden, pretty paths through woodland and plenty of bluebells and snowdrops. We don’t use chemicals and fully support wildlife and the habitat they live in; the bee garden and our wilding areas are just two examples. The garden is a work in progress and we are continually creating spaces and fun things for kids to enjoy e.g. our dragon's den, Viking shelter, rope swings and more. We grow our own vegetables and love turning our fruit into juices, jellies, jams and ice-cream. We’d be delighted to show you round or let you wander and enjoy.

Directions: Take the bus to Pittenween and walk up Charles Street, past the recycling centre and we are 400 metres up on the left.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Delvine

Murthly PH1 4LD
Mr David Gemmell

By arrangement between 1 February - 1 December (2025)

7

T:07748 207647 E:gemmell.david@googlemail.com

The arboretum at Delvine covers more than 10 acres. The arboretum 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 enters an area of great drifts of chimonobambusa and miscanthus grasses with water and wildlife in abundance. The walking is easy, but not suitable for wheelchair users. This garden will appeal to those seeking the unusual.

Directions: On the A984, seven miles east of Dunkeld, four miles south-west of Blairgowrie. Turn through gateway and follow drive to wooden gates with Arboretum sign.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Army Benevolent Fund 60%

Kings Grange House

Castle Douglas DG7 3EU
Christine and Peter Hickman

By arrangement between 1 February - 31 August (2025)

b6

T:07787 535889

An extensive garden surrounded by mature trees and shrubberies, with views to the south west over the surrounding countryside. Originally Victorian, the garden is being restored by the present owners with a colourful variety of herbaceous mixed borders, beds and rockeries. There are snowdrops in February and banks of daffodils and a carpet of white narcissus in the lawns and around the pergola in springtime.

Directions: Take the B794 north off the A75, two miles east of Castle Douglas. Kings Grange House is approximately one mile on the left.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Marie Curie 30% & RNLI 30%

Kirkton Manor House

Peebles EH45 9JH
Mrs Rosemary Thorburn

By arrangement between 12 February - 16 July (2025)

7

T:01721 740220 E:rpthorburn@icloud.com

Kirkton Manor House has a delightful, three-acre, informal country garden set in the beautiful Manor Valley. It enjoys spectacular open views and calling curlews from its riverside position. Bluebells flank the impressive entrance leading to a new shrub border. Stone steps continue through to terraced slopes filled with bulbs, roses and hellebores providing height, interest and fragrance. Grass paths meander along the burn where snowdrops, blue and white camassia, meconopsis, and ligularia thrive in this sunny meadow environment. Later, in June, sisyrinchiums, irises, orchids and many flowering shrubs and roses are abundant. The natural woodland includes many interesting trees.

Directions: Turn off the A72 west of Neidpath Castle, signposted to Kirkton Manor. After crossing the River Tweed, enter a garden gate which is a mile downhill, opposite a Beware Horses sign.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Chaplains' Court

20 The Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 1RQ
Irene Wischik

By arrangement between 1 March - 30 September (2025)

0c467

T:01224 491675 E:irene@wischik.com

This historic walled garden has a long, well-stocked herbaceous border offering a succession of vivid colour from early spring to winter. It is divided by an ornamental pergola, a perfect place to sit and enjoy the garden. Large trees of ash, beech, horse chestnut, oak and sycamore give this garden a mature feel. A specimen Camperdown elm sits in the centre of the lawn, which in spring is covered in a carpet of crocuses, snowdrops and Scilla. Vegetables and herbs produce plentiful crops, together with newly-planted espalier and fan-trained apple and pear trees.

Directions: Bus 1 or 2 from Aberdeen city centre to St Machar Drive, and head towards St Machar Cathedral. Or drive down St Machar Drive, turn into The Chanonry and drive down until the junction with Don Street.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: SSAFA Forces Help 60%

Luckie Harg's

Anwoth, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas DG7 2EF
Drs Carole and Ian Bainbridge

By arrangement between 1 March - 30 September (2025)

467

T:01557 814141 E:luckiehargs@btinternet.com

A new and developing garden on the outskirts of Gatehouse of Fleet. A rock and spring herbaceous garden of around an acre, with a wide range of alpines, Himalayan and New Zealand plants, shrubs and small trees. There is a rock garden, modern crevice gardens, troughs, a large alpine house and bulb frame. New boulder, scree and stumpery beds, a pond and a woodland area are being developed. Small productive vegetable and fruit garden, plus a bluebell bank in May.

Directions: From Gatehouse High Street, turn north onto Station Road, immediately west at the Fleet Bridge by The Ship Inn. After almost one mile turn left signed to Anwoth Old Church. Luckie Harg’s is the first on the right after 400 yards. The nearest bus stop is on Gatehouse High Street, walk about 15 minutes to Luckie Harg’s.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Scottish Rock Garden Club 60%

3 Millhall

Shore Road, Kirkcudbright DG6 4TQ
Mr Alan Shamash

By arrangement between 1 March - 31 October. PLEASE NOTE: the bridge across the River Dee at Kirkcudbright is currently closed so the B727 is accessed from the A75 via the A755. (2025)

7

E:ashamash3@aol.com

Impressive five-acre garden with a large collection of mature shrubs, including over 200 rhododendron species, many camellias, magnolias including campbellii, embothriums, telopeas, perennials, over 200 hydrangeas and many other rare Southern Hemisphere plants. The garden has several interesting paths and is on a hillside running along the rocky shore of the Dee Estuary in Kirkcudbright Bay.

Directions: On the B727 between Kirkcudbright and Borgue on the west shore of the Dee Estuary. Parking at Dhoon Beach public car park, about three miles south of Kirkcudbright. There is a five-minute walk to the house. Please note there will be no vehicular access to 3 Millhall and all visitors should park at Dhoon Beach and walk up to the property.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer's Research UK 60%

Tal-y-Fan

Laurieston Road, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 2BE
Janet & Sarah Wood

By arrangement between 1 March - 30 September (2025)

T:01557 815287 E:woodhill2uk@yahoo.co.uk

An over mature one acre plot is being developed into a many faceted garden with a varied mix of interesting plants. The Secret Path leads to Acer Valley and the Won-Kei Parterre, overlooked by the Loch Corbie Monster. A narrow log-lined way leads to West Wood, from where you follow the Burnside Path by the Flame Tree Forest and through the bamboo arch to Dry Wood to find Wood's Henge. Then up through Bluebell Wood to the top of The Rock, where Big Red, the giant squirrel resides, with views across the Fleet Valley. Back down and cross the lawns below the pond before heading up the granite path to the greenhouse, polytunnel, compost bins and the car park, with its collection of pots and troughs. Visit the front lawn and its well-stocked beds on your way out. Light refreshments may be available by arrangement.

Directions: Take the Laurieston Road north from Gatehouse of Fleet. After one mile fork right and then right at postcode sign. Turn left at top of slope. Tal-y-Fan (red roof) is at the very end.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Kilbryde Castle

Dunblane FK15 9NF
Sir James and Lady Campbell

By arrangement between 16 March - 30 September (2025)

67

T:01786 824897 E:carolaandjames@googlemail.com

W:www.kilbrydecastle.com

Kilbryde Castle gardens cover some 12 acres and are situated above the Ardoch Burn and below the castle. The gardens are split into three parts: informal, woodland and wild. Natural planting (azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias) is found in the woodland garden. There are glorious snowdrops, spring bulbs, and autumn colour provided by clematis and acers.

Directions: Three miles from Dunblane and Doune, off the A820 between Dunblane and Doune. On Scotland’s Gardens Scheme open days the garden is signposted from the A820.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Leighton Library Trust 60%

Willowhill

Forgan, Newport-on-Tay DD6 8RA
Eric Wright and Sally Lorimore

By arrangement between 17 March - 31 August (2025)

6

T:01382 542890 E:willowhillfife@btinternet.com

W:www.willowhillgarden.weebly.com

An evolving three-acre garden. The house is surrounded by a series of mixed borders designed with different vibrant colour combinations for effect in all seasons. Spectacular mix of roses, herbaceous perennials and annuals planted through the wide borders are a highlight in mid to late summer. A ‘no dig’ 160-foot border in shades of white, blue, purple and pale yellow was created in 2019/2020. The most recent addition to the garden is another ‘no dig’ border in shades of peach, burgundy, yellow, chocolate and acid yellow. Come and see! April and May for late spring bulbs and flowers; June and July for roses and high summer colour; August for late summer colour. The plant stall includes a lovely selection from the garden. Visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments and picnic in the garden. A season ticket for all these dates, and by arrangement, is £25 plus p&p and admits the ticket holder plus guest. It comes with a limited edition of the Willowhill Garden Guide: 35 pages of beautiful photographs with descriptions of key garden features and plantings. A season ticket with booklet is a perfect gift for garden lovers for a birthday or at Christmas and do treat yourself too! Season tickets are available online at tinyurl.com/yxcj2mzy or by post (cheque for £27.76 payable to Scotland’s Garden Scheme) from Scotland's Gardens Scheme, 23 Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DN.

Directions: 1.5 miles south of Tay Road Bridge. Take the B995 to Newport off the Forgan roundabout. Willowhill is the first house on the left-hand side next to West Friarton Farm Strawberry Shed.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Rio Community Centre 50%

The Carriage House

Blair Estate, Dalry KA24 4ER
Mr and Mrs Luke Borwick

By arrangement between 29 March - 26 October (2025)

57

T:07831 301294 E:lina@blairtrust.co.uk

Set within the historic Blair policies dating back to the 1500s, at the Carriage House the Borwicks have planted a beautiful arboretum. Built on the vision of generations of Blairs of creating a sanctuary of rare species trees, over the past four years a collection of over 160 trees and shrubs has transformed a 10-acre field into a peaceful refuge with year-round variety and colour. Mown pathways offer different vistas and points of interest including mermaids rescuing a girl, carved by a local artist from a Portuguese Laurel stump. View the 24-year old Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) grown from Blair seed, an avenue of eight different lime trees which earned a Queen's Green Canopy Award, a Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Golden Dawn', and other rare trees. From a bench created from our own wood, enjoy the arboretum’s energy – a special experience. New since 2024 is a beautiful Cumbrian green slate commemorative stone, with superb engraving by the Cordozo Kindersley Workshop: it frames Blair Castle perfectly and honours the three related families who have nurtured this special place since 1105. The Blair crest heads the inscription with the motto “Amo Probos”, and the Royal Scots Greys badge “second to none” recognises the generations of family members serving our country in Scotland’s only cavalry regiment. Wander the Carriage House garden, created from a field since 2002 and planted with many varieties of roses and mature shrubs.

Directions: A737 from Beith. At the roundabout before Dalry take the first left signposted Stewarton. Then go straight on, signposted Bike Route Irvine. Keep going for approximately two miles and keep the estate wall on the right until you come to South Lodge (white building). Turn right down the drive for Blair Estate - The Carriage House is on the right. Public transport to Dalry. Follow SatNav KA24 4ER and enter Blair Estate through the South Lodge.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: The National Trust for Scotland 60%

Bonhard House

Perth PH2 7PQ
Stephen and Charlotte Hay

By arrangement between Groups welcome to enquire (2025)

67

T:07990 574570 E: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 (1852, one of the first 12 brought to Scotland), 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%

Berandhu

Appin, Argyll PA38 4DD
John and Fiona Landale

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

T:01631 730585 M: 07900 377414 E:johnllandale@gmail.com

A sheltered one-and-a-half acre coastal garden in a scenic setting offering fabulous views over Loch Laich to Loch Linnhe, Castle Stalker and the Morvern hills beyond. Craggy limestone abounds on the undulating site, some of which forms natural rockeries. Native trees mix with introduced firs and conifers. A variety of rhododendrons and azaleas provide spring and early summer colour. A mix of limestone overlaid with peat gives an unusual mix of wild flowers. This well-tended garden also has lovely wild areas of bog garden and woodland.

Directions: In Appin turn off the A828 Connel to Ballachulish road at Gunn's Garage signposted for Port Appin. After one mile when the road turns uphill, it's the first entrance on the right, half way up the hill.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 30% & The Appin Village Hall 30%

Grandhome

Danestone, Aberdeen AB22 8AR
Mrs WJB Paton

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

26

T:01224 722202 E:admin@grandhome.co.uk

Eighteenth-century walled garden incorporating a rose garden and policies with daffodils, tulips, rhododendrons, azaleas, mature trees and shrubs.

Directions: From the north end of North Anderson Drive, continue on the A92 over Persley Bridge, turning left at the Tesco roundabout. After 1¾ miles, turn left through the pillars on a left-hand bend.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

The Tower

1 Northview Terrace, Wormit DD6 8PP
Peter and Angela Davey

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

2c4

T:07768 406946 E:adavey541@btinternet.com

Situated four miles south of Dundee, this one-acre Edwardian landscaped garden has panoramic views over the River Tay. Set on a hill, a series of paths meander around ponds and a small stream, rockeries featuring hellebores and low-level planting, a curved lawn and larger borders. Original woodland paths lead to a granite grotto with a waterfall pool. At the rear of the house the vegetable garden features raised beds made from granite sets. The garden is colourful throughout the summer, with many architectural plants accentuating the clever hard landscape design.

Directions: From B946 park on Naughton Road outside Spar shop. Walk up the unmade path outside and to the left of the shop. The garden enrance is the second gate on the right.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Brain Tumour Research 60%

Berryfield House

Lentran, Inverness IV3 8RJ
Lynda Perch-Nielsen

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 July (2025)

6

T:01463 831346 M: 07547 960341 E:lyndazpn@gmail.com

An open garden of trees and bushes with views across the Beauly Firth to Ben Wyvis. There are large swathes of bulbs: crocus, dogtooth violets and heritage daffodils. A three-acre wildflower meadow with meandering paths adjoins the garden.

Directions: Halfway between Inverness and Beauly on the A862. From Inverness, four-and-a-quarter miles on the left from crossing over the Clachnaharry railway bridge. From Beauly, one-and-a-quarter miles on the right from The Old North Inn.

Admission: by donation

Charities: Action Medical Research 60%

Rosewells

Baldinnie, Ceres KY15 5LE
Birgitta and Gordon MacDonald

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 August (2025)

67

E:g.macdonald54@hotmail.co.uk

Rosewells, designed by the garden owners, has developed over the last 30 years. It started as a one-and-a-half acre, overgrown paddock. The design is based on the texture and foliage of trees and shrubs to create year-round interest. In spring and summer, colour and scent become increasingly important. In spring, highlights are around 55 magnolias and numerous rhododendrons, many of which are chosen for their foliage. Other highlights include flowering cornus, trillium, fritillaries, erythroniums, peonies, roses, ferns and acers. There have been a number of developments in recent years. More winding paths have been developed creating wildlife friendly areas. There is a new lavender walk which leads to a covered seating area at the bottom of the garden.

Directions: B940 between Pitscottie and Peat Inn, one mile from Pitscottie. Rosewells is the ochre-coloured house.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Save the Children UK 60%

Kirklands

Saline KY12 9TS
Peter and Gill Hart

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

23c467

T:07787 115477 E:peter@kirklandsgarden.co.uk

W:www.kirklandsgarden.co.uk

Kirklands, built in 1832, has been the Hart family home for 48 years. Over the years we have created a garden. The walled garden was reinstated from a paddock to include terracing and raised beds. In 2023 we introduced two bee hives. The woodland garden comes into life in February with snowdrops followed, over the months, by bluebells, hellebores, trilliums, fritillaries, rhododendrons, meconopsis, candelabra primulas and irises. The rockery displays dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas. The herbaceous borders reach their peak in the summer, continuing into early autumn with a display of bright yellow rudbeckia, verbena and echinacea. Down by the Saline Burn there are 30 species of primula in all colours of the rainbow. Over the red or blue bridge there are 20 acres of naturally regenerating woodland with a pathway by the stream. To keep the grandchildren occupied, Peter built a tree house, climbing frame and rope swing, though we hope they will take an interest in gardening too!

Directions: Junction 4, M90, then B914. Parking in the centre of the village, then a short walk to the garden. Limited disabled parking at Kirklands.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Saline & District Heritage Society 60%

South Flisk

Blebo Craigs, Cupar KY15 5UQ
Mr and Mrs George Young

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 June (2025)

2c46

T:01334 850859 E:southfliskgarden@gmail.com

W:www.standrewspottery.co.uk

The spectacular views to Perthshire and Angus and large flooded quarry full of fish (and occasional otter) planted with impressive marginals, make this garden very special. Flights of old stone steps, cliffs, boulders, exotic ferns and mature trees form a backdrop for carpets of primroses, bluebells, spring bulbs and woodland plants like trilliums, camassia, meconopsis and colourful primulas, with rhododendrons in flower from March to July. In front of the house is a charming, mature walled garden with traditional cottage-garden planting. Next to the house is the St Andrews Pottery where George will demonstrate his pottery skills for those who need a break from the garden! A new water garden with a stream running through was created in 2023.

Directions: Six miles west of St Andrews off B939 between Strathkinness and Pitscottie. There is a small stone bus shelter opposite the road into the village and sign Blebo Craigs. See map on our website - standrewspottery.co.uk. Bus to Blebo Craigs.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Médecins Sans Frontières 60%

A Blackbird Sings

20 Kings Park, Longniddry EH32 0QL
Graham and Maxine Pettigrew

By arrangement between 1 April - 15 September (2025)

46

T:01875 853003

Situated in the Glassel Park Estate, the planting of this long garden reflects East Lothian habitats including moorland, grassland and woodland, as well as areas of related plant varieties such as rockery, roses, ferns, heucheras and peonies. Together they form a pattern of gardens within a garden accessed by boardwalks and woodland paths. A large water lily pond houses newts and a second pond within a rockery is fed by a waterfall, A cold conservatory contains cacti and insectivorous plants. Vertical structure is provided by a large number of specimen small trees such as Cornus, maples, magnolias, contorted Robinia, Chinese rowan, Davidia and Honey Locust. Animal and bird carvings in wood by Graham reflect local fauna.

Directions: By car: enter Dean Road from A198, right at Kings Avenue, right at Kings Park. House is at the end of the second cul-de-sac. By bus (124, X5): Cunningham Court stop, down Cunningham Court and Old Dean Road to turn right on Kings Avenue and then right at Kings Park.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Leuchie 30% & Scottish Wildlife Trust Ltd 30%

House of Aigas and Field Centre

by Beauly IV4 7AD
Sir John and Lady Lister-Kaye

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

6ek

T:01463 782443 E:info@aigas.co.uk

W:www.aigas.co.uk

The House of Aigas has a small arboretum of named Victorian specimen trees and modern additions. The garden consists of extensive rockeries, herbaceous borders, ponds and shrubs. Aigas Field Centre rangers lead regular guided walks on nature trails through woodland, moorland and around a loch.
Champion Trees: Douglas fir, Atlas cedar and Sequoiadendron giganteum

Directions: Four-and-a-half miles from Beauly on the A831 Cannich/Glen Affric road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Highland Hospice: Aird branch 60%

Glassmount House

by Kirkcaldy KY2 5UT
Peter, James and Irene Thomson

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

7

T:07834 555728 E:mcmoonter@yahoo.co.uk

Densely planted walled garden with surrounding woodland. An A-listed sundial, Mackenzie & Moncur greenhouse and historical doocot are complemented by a number of newer structures. Daffodils are followed by a mass of candelabra and cowslip primula, meconopsis and Cardiocrinum giganteum. Hedges and topiary form backdrops for an abundance of bulbs, clematis, rambling roses and perennials, creating interest through the summer into September. The garden is now extending beyond the walls, with new areas of naturalistic planting blending the boundary between the surrounding fields and the woodland.

Directions: From Kirkcaldy, head west on the B9157. Turn left immediately after the railway bridge on the edge of town. Follow the single track road for one-and-a-half miles and cross the crossroads. Glassmount House is the first turning on your right.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Parkinsons UK 60%

Fernlea Garden

Corvisel Road, Newton Stewart DG8 6LW
Mrs Jenny Gustafson

By arrangement between Homemade teas on 10th August, teas can be provided with prior arrangement for 'by arrangement' visitors (2025)

c6

T:07909 951885/ 01671 638273 E:floralbasket@proton.me

A secluded town garden of a third-of-an-acre, it was created in 2006 to complement a new house. There are many rare and unusual trees and shrubs. Two herbaceous borders, one with hot colours and the other pastels. A Chinese-inspired corner, small pond, fruit trees including a Galloway pippin apple and soft fruit. The upper part of the garden is hidden behind a tall beech hedge, where there is a summer house and adjacent woodland planting.

Directions: Turn right at the roundabout on the A75 if coming from Dumfries direction. Go left at the cattle market (opposite the Crown Hotel) and it is the first through road on the right.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: GDI: red squirrels, East Wigtownshire 60%

46 South Street

St Andrews KY16 9JT
Mrs June Baxter

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 July (2025)

467

T:01334 474995 E:ejbaxter986@gmail.com

Renowned town garden in medieval long rig, with orchard underplanted with wildflowers and bulbs, and many unusual flowering shrubs. Roses and other climbers clothe the surrounding high walls. Shrub roses planted in a delightful central parterre fill the air with scent. An historic and unique feature in St Andrews, but also a wonderfully planted space where different styles of planting complement the range of plants used. Historic doocot.

Directions: Access and parking information on request.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Friends of Craigtoun 60%

Hunter's Tryst

95 Oxgangs Road, Edinburgh EH10 7BA
Jean Knox

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

4

T:07708 653584 E:jean.knox@blueyonder.co.uk

Well-stocked and beautifully designed, mature, medium-sized town garden comprising herbaceous and shrub beds, lawn, fruit and some vegetables, water features, seating areas, trees and an example of cloud pruning. This is a wildlife-friendly garden that has been transformed from a wilderness 40 years ago and continues to evolve. In 2017 two raised beds were added to the front garden. This hidden treasure of a garden was featured on Beechgrove in June 2015 and on The Instant Gardener in June 2016.

Directions: From Fairmilehead crossroads head down Oxgangs Road to Hunter’s Tryst roundabout and it's the last house on the left. Buses 4, 5, 27, 400. The bus stop is at Hunter’s Tryst and the garden is opposite.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Lothian Cat Rescue 30% & St.Columba’s Hospice Care 30%

The Croft

Houston Road Langbank PA14 6XT
Oliver Miller

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

49

E:edburd@btinternet.com

This special 1 acre garden is on a steep rocky site facing north overlooking the Clyde just opposite Dumbarton Rock. There were mature elms when we arrived in 1981which have been replaced with several varieties of birch and rowan, a flowering Davidia also Liriodendron (tulip tree) and a Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood). There are some magnolias and a good collection of acers together with rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Around the waterfall tree ferns are happy, ferns in general enjoy the shady damp conditions. The Trachycarpus palms from the mountains of China also grow well. Some of the newly introduced bamboos with blue, black, golden and green culms (canes) are now over 25ft tall. In summer the hydrangeas take over, there is a wide selection including the Aspera section with their huge flowers and fuzzy leaves. Autumn brings the reds, oranges and yellows on acers, rowan, Parrotia, Cercidiphyllum. There is a rushing stream (usually) four springs and several ponds. The garden is steep, there are steps/paved paths and it can be wet. Stout footwear and care is essential.

Directions: From Langbank, take the Houston Road out of the village, under railway bridge and The Croft is 100 yards on the left (look out for conical yews).

Admission: £7.50, children free

Charities: Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue 60%

Gledenholm House

Ae Village , Dumfries DG1 1RF
Les Jack

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 August (2025)

c69

T:01387860278 E:les@gledenholm.co.uk

Developed over the past 35 years, this garden of two acres is set in countryside near Ae Village with some original planting of mature trees dating back to the 1870s. April features spring bulbs, anemones, flowering currants and acers opening. May to June has species rhododendrons, azaleas and Japanese maples, with the herbaceous beds showing colour. July and August feature cottage garden favourites, with lilies, clematis, a large rambling rose arch and hydrangea borders. There are always plants for sale. The progress of the making of the garden can be seen on the SGS website at: scotlandsgardens.org/the-creation-of-a-garden/.

Directions: The garden is ten miles north of Dumfries, near Ae Village. Take the A701 from Dumfriesand after seven miles , take a left turn to Ae Village. At the village take a sharp left at the four -way junction and travel for 0.7 miles. Gledenholm House is then the second on the right with black cast iron gates.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Burnside

Littlemill Road, Drongan KA6 7EN
Sue Simpson and George Watt

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

067

T:01292 592445 E:suesimpson33@btinternet.com

This maturing and constantly changing six-and-a-half acre garden began in 2006. There is a wide range of plants from trees to alpines, giving colour and variability all year. Next to the road flows the Drumbowie Burn, parallel to which is a woodland border with snowdrops, erythroniums, hellebores, trilliums, rhododendrons and acers. Near the house are a raised bed and large collection of troughs, with an interesting range of alpines. The garden boasts herbaceous beds, ericaceous garden, screes, three alpine glasshouses with award-winning plants, an extensive Streptocarpus collection, polytunnel, pond and arboretum - underplanted with daffodils, camassia, fritillaries and crocus. With a view towards matrimonial harmony, there are two sheds which may be of interest. The garden is only 15 minutes from Dumfries House.

Directions: From the A77 Ayr bypass take the A70 Cumnock for 5¼ miles, at Coalhall, turn onto the B730 Drongan (south) for 2½ miles. Burnside entrance is immediately adjacent to a black/white parapeted bridge. Ordnance survey grid ref: NS455162.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer's Research UK 60%

Corsock House

Corsock, Castle Douglas DG7 3DJ
The Ingall family

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 May (2025)

67

T:01644 440250 E:jingall@hotmail.com

Corsock House garden, renowned for its substantial collection of rhododendrons, includes an amazing variety of designed landscape, from a strictly formal walled garden, through richly planted woodlands full of different vistas, artfully designed water features and surprises to extensive lawns showing off the Bryce baronial mansion. This is an Arcadian garden with pools and temples, described by Ken Cox as ‘perhaps my favourite of Scotland’s many woodland gardens’.

Directions: Off the A75, Dumfries is 14 miles, Castle Douglas is 10 miles, Corsock Village is half-mile on the A712.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Corsock & Kirkpatrick Durham Church Of Scotland 60%

Dundonnell House

Little Loch Broom, Wester Ross IV23 2QW
Dundonnell Estates

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

6e7

T:07789 390028 E:sueandwill@icloud.com

Camellias, magnolias and bulbs in spring, rhododendrons and laburnum walk in this ancient walled garden. Exciting planting gives all year round interest, centred around one of the oldest yew trees in Scotland. A water sculpture, unique Victorian glass house, riverside walk, arboretum - all in the valley below the peaks of An Teallach.
Champion Trees: Yew and Holly

Directions: Turn off the A835 at Braemore on to the A832. After 11 miles take the Badralloch turn for a ½ mile.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Médecins Sans Frontières 30% & Environmental Investigation Agency 30%

Ruthven Cottage Hardy Plant Nursery

Delnies, Nairn IV12 5NT
Mari and Kevin Reid

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

5

T:07874 779705 E:kevin.mari@gmail.com

The garden has exciting interest all year round. It features several large colourful herbaceous borders and many of the plants are sold at the nursery. The naturalistic style of planting with grasses and perennials looks good from late spring to late summer. There is also a pond, greenhouse and chickens.

Directions: From Inverness take the A96 to Nairn, Ruthven Cottage is on your left just before the Sandown Road Crossroads. From Nairn the entrance is on your right off the A96. Ruthven Cottage is at the end of the lane.

Admission: by donation

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Broomhill Villa

4 Edinburgh Road, Greenlaw TD10 6XF
Tatyana Aplin

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 June (2025)

67

T:07957 288557 E:aplin848@btinternet.com

The garden at Broomhill is on the northern side of Greenlaw, comprising half-an-acre of spring colour nestled between village and farmland. The garden is maintained by a passionate plant collector featuring narcissi, tulips, meconopses and hundreds of other flowers. The collection has been developed along informal lines with treats at every turn. A radiant display of blooms that changes through the year is intended not only for the visual pleasure of the garden but also for the house with cut flower arrangements as well as produce for the table and larder.

Directions: On the A697 at the northern end of Greenlaw.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Cancer Research UK 60%

Pitcurran House

Abernethy PH2 9LH
The Hon Ranald and Mrs Noel-Paton

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 August (2025)

3c467

T:01738 850933 / 07760 420485 E:patricianp@pitcurran.com

This end-of-village garden was created 21 years ago. It includes an interesting combination of trees, rare shrubs and herbaceous plants including azaleas, rhododendrons, tree peonies, 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: Breakthrough T1D: (formerly Juvenile Diabetes RF) 60%

Thirlestane

Kelso TD5 8PD
Catherine Ross and John Wylie

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 October (2025)

67

T:01573 420487 E:catherineaross37@gmail.com

Thirlestane is a large informal garden. There is a walled garden with colour-themed borders and an orchard with many old varieties of fruit trees. In front of the house prairie planting is surrounded by high beech hedges. The young nine-acre wood has trees and shrubs selected for autumn colour and for decorative bark and fruit. These include Persian Ironwood, Golden Rain Tree, Scarlet Oak, Monarch Birch, Himalayan Birch, Tibetan Cherry, Chinese Hawthorn and various maples.

Directions: Thirlestane is near Yetholm, not to be confused with Thirlestane Castle, Lauder. Do not follow SatNav, it will try to take you to Lochside. From Kelso, take the B6352 towards Yetholm for about six miles. Continue past a cottage on the edge of the road. Thirlestane is next on the left, opposite the road to Lochside. From Yetholm, take the road to Kelso for about two miles. After a very sharp corner, Thirlestane is on the right.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 60%

Elvanrock

Watson Street, Banchory AB31 5TR
Margaret Owen

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

49

E:margaret.owen@gmail.com

A town garden on a south-facing slope, redesigned over five years to manage the slopes. Planned for year round colour and ease of care. The garden offers five peaceful seating areas to enjoy the cottage garden borders, surrounded by a selection of rhododendron, Cornus kousa and flowering cherries with views across the Dee Valley.

Directions: By bus, alight at either Banchory Primary school (3 minute walk along Ramsay Road) or at Banchory High Street (10 minute walk uphill via Arbeadie Terrace and Elms Rise). On street parking is available.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Blood Cancer UK 60%

Kirkmuir Cottage

KIlwinning Road, Stewarton KA3 3DZ
Mr and Mrs Brian Macpherson

By arrangement between 1 April - 31 August (2025)

7

E:dhmmacp@gmail.com

This garden was created in 1997 from a small field and includes a large pond which was originally a small quarry. It covers approximately one-and-a-half-acres of mature garden and, using hedging and shrubbery the garden is split into garden 'rooms' including woodland, formal borders, laburnum arch, herbaceous borders, rhododendrons and azaleas. Large lawn area and wildlife pond. The garden also features many interesting and unusual artefacts and sculptures.

Directions: From the M77 take the B778 to Stewarton. At the traffic lights, turn left and continue to the mini-roundabout. Turn right towards the B778 Kilwinning. Continue for 100 yards under the railway bridge, take an immediate left at the war memorial and continue along Kilwinning Road until you reach the countryside. Kirkmuir is the first farm road on the right hand side. The cottage and garden is on the left at the end of the farm road. Please follow these directions not SatNav.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Capability Scotland 60%

16 Mulla

Voe, Shetland ZE2 9XQ
Linda Richardson

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2025)

47

T:07765 037516 E:linda@lindarichardson.co.uk

A garden on the Clubb of Mulla, a hillside overlooking Olnafirth with views of the sea and Lower Voe. Started in October 2016, the steep overgrown plot looked like a continuation of the moor at the back of the house. This garden shows what can be achieved in a very windy and exposed situation, battling against the extremes of the Shetland weather. Gardening with wildlife in mind, trees were planted in the spring of 2017, now providing shelter for birds. There are herbaceous borders, rockery, vegetable bed, 3.6 x 2.4 metre greenhouse, mini wildflower meadow strips and a natural water feature which is a long drainage ditch planted up with willows and water-loving plants. Always a work in progress, more trees have been planted to increase wildlife habitat. The owner is an artist-printmaker with an open studio that folk are welcome to look around too.

Directions: Eighteen miles north of Lerwick on the A970 is Voe. Pass the North Isles junction and Tagon Stores on your right. Turn right into Mulla and number 16 is up the hill on your left. Bus no. 21 (Hillswick) and 23 (Toft) stop on the main road at the bottom of Mulla.

Admission: by donation

Charities: RSPB: for projects in Shetland 60%

Craigowan

Ballinluig PH9 0NE
Simon Jones

By arrangement between 6 April - 30 June (2025)

67

T:07856 859219 E:simonqjones@mail.com

We welcome you to view our five-acre, family-developed showpiece garden, maturing over the last 35 years. The extensive range of around a thousand species and hybrid rhododendrons flower from January to their peak in April and May depending on frost damage due to our location at 500 feet above sea level. These are backed up by ornamental trees, perennials and an extensive herbaceous border in a diverse mix of woodland, prepared beds and specialist rhododendron planting areas. We are on a hillside but have tried to make the garden as accessible as possible to all. Most visitors require at least an hour for a basic viewing.

Directions: From north or southbound of the A9 to Ballinluig junction. Pass the Ballinluig filling station and motor grill on your right. Turn right at the primary school following the Tulliemet/Dalcapon sign; this is a single track road with passing places. About half-a-mile up the road take a left turning to Dalcapon, a further mile up the road is Craigowan garden. It is surrounded by a deer fence on the left. Please park on paviours adjoining the house.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: LUPUS UK 60%

Auldbyres Farm Garden

Coylton KA6 6HG
Marshall and Sue Veitch

By arrangement between 12 April - 31 August (2025)

67

E:su.pavet@btinternet.com

Surrounded by a working farm, this compact, established garden has mature shrubs, wildlife pond, bog garden and stream, borrowing stunning countryside views towards Ayr and Arran. Well-behaved spring borders give way to a riot of summer perennial favourites. Many 'found objects' of agricultural interest. Extensive containers brighten the farmyard with seasonal displays.

Directions: In Coylton take the road signposted B742, past Coylton Arms Pub in Low Coylton, Auldbyres is signposted on the left after ½ mile.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre 60%

Old Farm Cottage

The Ladywell, Nemphlar, Lanark ML11 9GX
Ian and Anne Sinclair

By arrangement between 18 April - 30 September (2025)

467

T:01555 663345 M: 07833 204180 E:anniesinclair58@gmail.com

Ian and Anne have been developing this delightful one acre garden for twenty five years and it now has something to interest visitors from springtime through until autumn. In April and May daffodils, narcissi, camassias, hellebores, trilliums, spring flowering shrubs and trees light up the garden. A large array of colourful trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plantings, many of them scented, can be enjoyed throughout the rest of the year. Prunus Amanogawa, Amelanchiers, Katsura trees and the spectacular fruit of Cornus kousas are just a few of the plants that you can expect to see. The garden will be of interest not only for gardeners but bird watchers, walkers and photographers.

Directions: Leave the A73 at Cartland Bridge (Lanark to Carluke Road) or the A72 (Clyde Valley Road) at Crossford. Both routes are well signposted. The garden is on the Nemphlar spur of the Clyde Walkway, just off the West Nemphlar Road on Ladywell Lane. One mile walk from Cartland Bridge bus stop.

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Dogs Trust 60%

Ardno

Cairndow PA26 8BE
Denzil How

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

7

T:Rob Backhouse Gardener 01499 302304 E:denzil.how@btconnect.com

From the rich, varied landscape, a romantic garden has been created from scratch over the past 25 years. Visitors can stroll in the walled garden near the house, or explore the old oak wood planted with many interesting shrubs. These are growing up fast, adding shape and colour. Across the burn is the gorge and a wonderful waterfall. The woodland garden ends in the meadow, planted with irises and a collection of unusual trees, which continues down to the beach and a magnificent huge rock. My garden is a place to be peaceful in. Come and enjoy, but be prepared as some of the paths are steep with lots of steps and are unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs.

Directions: Situated at the top end of Loch Fyne between Cairndow and St Catherines, off the A815.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Rediweld Foundation 60%

Thorntree

Arnprior FK8 3EY
Mark and Carol Seymour

By arrangement between 1 May - 1 September (2025)

6

T:01786 870710 E:carolseymour666@gmail.com

W:www.thorntreebarn.co.uk

See the amazing views from Aberfoyle and the hills beyond to Doune. Thorntree is a cottage garden that has evolved from growing dried flowers into triangle beds to meander through with more and more plants filling in gaps! This year's task was pruning trees to make sure the sun gets through. The garden is kept with the aid of WRAGS trainees, now our 6th - they come for a year to be trained two days a week. I am so grateful to them all. I kept the garden as much as possible as the farmer's wife who lived here before had it - 33 years ago! Every year is different. In 2024 the hydrangeas all flowered so well, and roses were still in full first bloom in October. We are also usually here so come and see: just email to make sure we are not out.

Directions: On the A811, to Arnprior, then take the Fintry Road; Thorntree is second on the right.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Forth Driving Group RDA SCIO 60%

Glenkyllachy

Tomatin IV13 7YA
Mr and Mrs Philip Mackenzie

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

7

E:emmaglenkyllachy@gmail.com

In a magnificent Highland glen, 1200 feet above sea level, Glenkyllachy is a beautiful garden of shrubs, herbaceous plants, rhododendrons, trees, and spectacular views down the Findhorn River. There are some rare specimens and a recently planted arboretum. Rhododendrons and bulbs flower in May/June, herbaceous plants bloom through July/August with glorious autumn colours in September and October. There is a very productive vegetable garden, polytunnel, fruit cage and greenhouse as well as original sculptures and a Highgrove-inspired wall which provide year round interest. Featured on TV Beechgrove, in The English Garden Magazine and recently in Scottish Field (November 2023). The garden is constantly evolving with new areas being developed and planting schemes changed.

Directions: Turn off the A9 at Tomatin and take the Coignafearn/Garbole single-track road down the north-side of the River Findhorn, there is a cattle grid and gate on the right 500 yards AFTER the humpback bridge and the sign to Farr.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Marie Curie 60%

Eas Mhor

Cnoc-a-Challtuinn, Clachan Seil, Oban PA34 4TR
Mrs Kimbra Lesley Barrett

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

2c4

T:01852 300469 E:kimbra1745@gmail.com

All the usual joys of a west coast garden plus some delightful surprises! A small contemporary garden on a sloping site - the emphasis being on scent and exotic plant material. Unusual and rare blue Borinda bamboos (only recently discovered in China) and bananas. The garden is at its best in mid to late summer when shrub roses and sweet peas fill the air with scent. The delightful, sunny deck overlooks stylish white-walled ponds with cascading water blades. Recent additions include a 20-foot citrus house, Chinese pergola walk and peony border.

Directions: After arranging a visit and agreeing a time, you will be met at the Tigh An Truish car park by the Atlantic Bridge, Isle of Seil. Or if travelling by bus, you will be met off the bus and taken to Eas Mhor. Please inform Mrs Barrett the time of your arrival. The bus stops at the bottom of Cnoc-a-Challtuinn Road.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: ABWA: Argyll & Bute Woman's Aid - support for domestic abuse - Oban Branch 60%

Brooklands

Crocketford DG2 8QH
Mr and Mrs Robert Herries

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

67

T:Gardener, Matthew Grieve: 07765 491902

Large old walled garden with a wide selection of plants, including some interesting shrubs and climbers and a kitchen garden. Mature woodland with many established rhododendrons and azaleas, and carpeted with snowdrops in February.

Directions: Turn off the A712 Crocketford to New Galloway Road one mile outside Crocketford at the Gothic gatehouse (on the right travelling north).

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Drumpark

Irongray DG2 9TX
Mr and Mrs Iain Mitchell

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 August (2025)

e7

T:01387 820323 or 07743 895351 E:iain.liz.mitchell@gmail.com

Well-contoured woodland garden and extensive policies nurture mature azaleas, rhododendrons and rare shrubs among impressive specimen trees. Water garden with primulas and meconopsis. Victorian walled garden with fruit trees and garden produce. There is also a beautiful herbaceous border. All planting is set in a natural bowl providing attractive vistas.
Champion Trees: Abies cephalonica, Abies procera, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Cryptomeria japonica.

Directions: Dumfries bypass, head north on the A76 for a half mile, turn left at the signpost to Lochside Industrial Estates and immediately right onto Irongray Road; continue for five miles; the gates are next to a lodge looking like a gingerbread house and set in a sandstone wall on the left (half-mile after Routin’ Brig).

Admission: by donation

Charities: Loch Arthur 60%

101 Greenbank Crescent

Edinburgh EH10 5TA
Jerry and Christine Gregson

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 August (2025)

4

T:0131 447 6492 E:jerry_gregson@yahoo.co.uk

The house is on a busy bus route, but it hides a fascinating garden on a sloping site. There are views over Braidburn Valley Park to the Pentland Hills. Paths wind down from the oval lawn, past a handsome magnolia tree, to a terrace which overlooks a water feature and flowering shrubs. Further steps lead past a scree bed of azalea and rhododendron to a productive area of vegetable beds and a neatly-concealed composting area. We aim to have colour, contrast and interest all year round.

Directions: From the city centre take the A702 through Morningside. Continue uphill and turn right at Greenbank Church on to Greenbank Crescent. Buses 5 and 16; the stop is for Greenbank Row.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: St.Columba’s Hospice Care 60%

The Old Farmhouse

Dunning Road, Auchterarder PH3 1DU
Jane and Nigel Gallier

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 June (2025)

6

T:01764 662471 E: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: SSAFA Forces Help 60%

The Potting Shed

Broughton Place, Broughton, Biggar ML12 6HJ
Jane and Graham Buchanan-Dunlop

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

c67

T:01899 830574 E:buchanandunlop@btinternet.com

A one-acre garden begun from scratch in 2008, on an exposed hillside at 900 feet. It contains herbaceous plants, climbers, shrubs and trees - all selected for wind resistance and ability to cope with the poor, stony soil. There are usually fine views to the Southern Uplands.

Directions: Signposted from the main A701 Edinburgh - Moffat Road, immediately north of Broughton village.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Nomad Beat Ltd: Peebles Community Music School 60%

48 Rumblingwell

48 Rumblingwell, Dunfermline KY12 9AS
Rik Morley

By arrangement between 1 May - 1 July (2025)

0467

T:07733 855794 E:rik.morley@gmail.com

Welcome to our compact city garden! On entering you are welcomed by a small butterfly meadow, planted rockery and a newly-established fernery. A splash of colour from the early May alliums and rhododendrons leads through to an alpine-planted water feature and cascading ponds with a Japanese/cottage garden aesthetic. A key feature of the garden is the many bearded and species irises (over 100) adorning each garden bed. Uncommon ornamental trees and shrubs (many from Asia) add layers of height, shade and fruits in the summer. Come and join us for a cup of tea and take a moment to enjoy our tranquil space.

Directions: The garden is approached via a short path which is opposite Stephens drive-through bakery and by the side of Simpson's Motors. The No.4 bus from Dunfermline bus station runs regularly to a stop very close to the house.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Wader Quest 60%

Carig Dhubh

Bonskeid, Pitlochry PH16 5NP
Jane and Niall Graham-Campbell

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

7

T:01796 473469 E: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%

Beechwood

Broughton, Peeblesshire ML12 6HH
Susheila and James Gordon

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

267

T:07810 837068 or 01899 830443 E:susheilarachan@gmail.com

W:www.rachan.co.uk

An informal sculptor's garden adjacent to a mature woodland and pond. A well-planted stream runs through the garden. There are varied perennial meadows to encourage wildlife and provide forage for the resident bees, it also features many examples of the owners' artworks which are inspired by the natural world.

Directions: Approximately one mile south of Broughton take the B712 off the A701. Then first left turn onto unmade road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: MND Scotland 60%

Lennel Bank

Coldstream TD12 4EX
Mrs Honor Brown

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

07

T:01890 882297 E:honor.b.brown@gmail.com

Lennel Bank is a terraced garden overlooking the River Tweed, consisting of wide borders packed with shrubs and perennial planting, some unusual. The water garden, built in 2008, is surrounded by a rockery and utilises the slope, ending in a pond. There is a small kitchen garden with raised beds in unusual shapes. Different growing conditions throughout the garden from dry, wet, shady and sunny, lend themselves to a variety of plants and enhance interest in the garden.

Directions: On the A6112 Coldstream to Duns road, one mile from Coldstream.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: British Heart Foundation 60%

Old Allangrange

Munlochy IV8 8NZ
J J Gladwin

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

e

T:01463 811304 E:office@blackislegardendesign.com

We have an ornamental garden surrounding the house (new information discovered dates it from the 17th rather than 18th Century), and a three acre productive garden with two Keder greenhouses, designed using agroforestry and permaculture principles and gardened bio-dynamically using no-dig technique. The ornamental garden has different areas with distinctive characters. There is a parterre in front of the house with informal planting, a lower garden, an ornamental propagation garden, a mound and orchard. Hedges, (pleached lime, yew, beech, box, holly and mixed species field hedges) clipped in various styles connect the different areas of the garden. We have started to remove perimeter wire fences replacing them with log hedges and brash bunds. With a keen interest in gardening for biodiversity from the soil upwards, no chemicals have been used since our arrival in 1995. The development and improvement of the garden is ongoing.
Champion Trees: Yew and sweet chestnut.

Directions: From Inverness head four miles north on the A9, and follow the directions for Black Isle Brewery. Park up at the Brewery and walk down to the garden. Directions will be given in the shop.

Admission: £7.50, children free

Charities: Flourish 60%

Orchard Cottage

Lunan Bay, Inverkeilor, Arbroath DD11 5SS
Carol Evans

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

2ck9

T:07485 609506

This is a cottage garden 20 years in the making. Lots of art is incorporated and plenty of seating to catch the precious sun. The garden is divided into four main areas: lawned with wall and borders; a pond area with abundant planting and greenhouse; a productive area with raised beds, fruit cage and a converted aviary; and finally a shaded garden spot to look to Red Castle. The garden is about abundance and cultivated plants sit side-by-side with wild flowers, giving colour and interest for as much of the year as possible.

Directions: From Inverkeilor on the A92 north of Arbroath, take the turn off for Lunan Bay. After 1½ miles, you come to a T junction. Ignore the farm track opposite. Take the left turn and after 200 yards approx you start to go downhill. There is a house on the left called the Bears Den. Take the first right turn as you start to go downhill. It's an unmade track with four houses listed. Orchard Cottage is the first on the left with wooden gates.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: LBCP: Lunan Bay Communities Partnership 60%

Barochreal

Kilninver, Oban, Argyll PA34 4UT
Nigel and Antoinette Mitchell

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

46

T:01852 316151 E:antoinettemitchell1946@gmail.com

W:www.barochreal.co.uk

The garden was started in 2006. Fencing and stone walling define it from the rest of Barochreal land. Every year an area has been added, resulting in the gardens you will see today. There are rhododendron banks, a water feature, waterfalls and burns, a pond, a walled rose garden, active beehives (now housed in a purpose-built bee shelter built in 2021), tiered areas, a greenhouse and wild garden across the burn. Maintained walking tracks in the fields lead to viewpoints. Biodiversity studies revealed that rare butterflies inhabit the small glen by the waterfall. There are forty different species of moths including rare micro moths and over seventy species of wildflowers in the fields, including three types of wild orchid. There is an abundance of wildlife including red squirrels, pine martens and a wide range of birds can be seen. This garden is a haven of tranquillity, as seen in episode 9 of 2022 Beechgrove Garden.

Directions: Fifteen minutes south of Oban. On the main A816 Oban to Lochgilphead road just to the south of the village of Kilninver on the left-hand side of the road. Bus Oban - Lochgilpead stops at Kilninver School, short walk after. Please disregard SatNav and use what3words address instead www.w3w.co/albums.forest.tinned

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Scottish SPCA 60%

Netherbyres

Eyemouth TD14 5SE
Col S J Furness

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 August (2025)

57

T:01890 750337

An unusual, elliptical walled garden, dating from 1740, with a mixture of flowers, fruit and vegetables. A very old pear tree, possibly dating from the 18th century, and the largest rose in Berwickshire, Rosa filipes 'Kiftsgate'. A wide variety of roses and herbaceous borders.

Directions: ½ mile south of Eyemouth on the A1107 to Berwick.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Dal an Eas

Kilmore, Oban PA34 4XU
Mary Lindsay

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

2c7

T:01631 770246 E:marylindsayargyll@googlemail.com

An informal organic country garden with the aim of increasing the biodiversity of native plants and insects while adding interest and colour with introduced trees, shrubs and naturalised perennials. There is a structured garden round the house and beyond there are extensive flower-filled ‘meadows’ with five different species of native orchid. Grass paths lead to waterfalls, vegetable plot, woodland garden, views and ancient archaeological sites.

Directions: From Oban take the A816 to Kilmore three-and-a-half miles south of Oban. Turn left on the road to Barran and Musdale. Keep left at the junction for Connel. Dal an Eas is approximately one mile on the left before the big hedges.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Amat

Amat Lodge, Ardgay IV24 3BS
Jonny and Sara Shaw

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 July (2025)

6e7

T:07712 266500 E:sara.amat@aol.co.uk

Over the last few years there have been big changes in the garden and there is now much more interest during the summer months. There is a new mini stumpery and many changes to the original borders. The river Carron flows around the edge of the garden and the old Amat Caledonian Forest is close by. Large specimen trees surround the house, plus many new ones planted in the policies in the last few years. There are several herbaceous borders, rhododendrons, trees and shrubs, all set in a large lawn. It is possible to go on a short woodland and river walk and you may see red squirrels which were reintroduced some years ago and are often in and around the garden.
Champion Trees: Abies Procera, Noble Fir

Directions: Take the road from Ardgay to Croick, nine miles. Turn left at the red phone box and the garden is 500 yards on the left.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 30% & Marie Curie 30%

Beech Cottage

The Wynd, Muthill PH5 2AP
Rosalyn Serex

By arrangement between 1 May - 1 September (2025)

34

T:07590 813509 E: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 metres slightly downhill. 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%

Barlockhart Lodge

Glenluce DG8 0JG
Barlockhart Gardeners

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2025)

0c6

T:07821 776226 E:neilharper1962@btinternet.com

A newly-created garden, on a domestic scale, which is very much a work in progress. The main part is a reclaimed riding manege, which has been transformed with meandering paths around borders planted with perennials and grasses to reflect the local undulating landscape. A rockery border and greenhouse are to one side of the house and traditional cottage-style borders are to the front and other side. A small vegetable plot with raised beds and a polycarbonate greenhouse is to the rear. The garden is situated about a mile from Luce Bay and has the benefits of the Gulf Stream, but the disadvantages of an exposed, shadeless position.

Directions: Take the A75 to Glenluce. On the hill which links the two Glenluce turnoffs, take the single-track unmarked lane, signposted for Whithorn Way. Property is roughly one mile along the lane, on the left.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: PIRSAC 60%

West Leas

near Bonchester Bridge TD9 8TD
Mr and Mrs Robert Laidlaw

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

67

T:01450 860711 E:ann@johnlaidlawandson.co.uk

The visitor to West Leas can share in an exciting and dramatic project on a grand scale, one that is constantly growing and evolving. A feat of liquid engineering, with a cascading stream contrasting with slow water pools. At its core is a passion for plants, allied to a love and understanding of the land in which they are set. Collections of perennials and shrubs lighten up the landscape to magical effect. The lily pond and woodland planting was added in 2019 and a courtyard garden links to the humidity controlled garden rooms housing a collection of exotics .

Directions: Signposted off the Jedburgh/Bonchester Bridge Road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support: Borders Appeal 60%

The Secret Garden

Isle of Lismore, Oban, Argyll PA34 5UL
Eva Tombs

By arrangement between 1 May - 1 September (2025)

2c

T:07786 374931 E:eva.tombs@gmail.com

A unique garden at the centre of a biodynamic farm on the Island of Lismore in the Inner Hebrides. The garden created from a field has a strong geometric layout that reflects the ecclesiastical history of the island. It has a vegetable garden, a tree nursery, a physic garden, an orchard and a polytunnel. The garden is a haven for wildflowers, birds, bees and butterflies. Standing stones, meadows, new woodlands, mountains and the sea encompass the whole. There is also a herd of rare breed Shetland cattle, chickens, ducks and friendly cats.

Directions: Please telephone for directions. Approximately two miles from Port Appin ferry.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 30% & Oban Gaelic Choir 30%

Kildalloig

Campbeltown PA28 6RE
Mr and Mrs Joe Turner

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

7

T:07979 855930 E:kildalloig@gmail.com

Coastal garden with some interesting and unusual shrubs including Australasian shrubs and trees, climbing roses, and herbaceous perennials. There is a woodland walk and a pond garden with aquatic and bog plants.

Directions: Take the A83 to Campbeltown, then three miles south-east of the town past Davaar Island.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support 30% & Marie Curie 30%

Struanbridge

Essich Road, Inverness IV2 6AH
Marcus and Catriona Jenks

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2025)

247

E:mjenks@greenx.co.uk

A small, well-stocked garden approximately three miles from Inverness city centre, set on three levels each with its own distinct character. The entrance to the garden includes a decking area with a small fruit garden and raised beds. The small mid-tier area consists of mainly hydrangeas and rhododendrons and the very informal, hidden lower garden includes a wildlife pond, raised beds, and shaded garden area with a greenhouse, all framed by an old stone bridge and a small burn. Due to its layout, the garden is not suitable for wheelchairs and requires the ability to climb a number of steps to view.

Directions: From the Inverness Southern Distributor road (A8082) exit the Essich roundabout onto Essich Road. Struanbridge is located exactly a ½ mile from the roundabout, on the left. Parking is restricted.,

Admission: £4.00, children free

Charities: Mikeysline 60%

Arndean

by Dollar FK14 7NH
Johnny and Katie Stewart

By arrangement between 6 May - 7 June (2025)

57

T:07940530499 E:johnny@arndean.co.uk

Opening for more than 40 years, this is a beautiful mature garden extending to 15 acres including the woodland walk. There is a formal herbaceous part, a small vegetable garden and an orchard. In addition, there are flowering shrubs, abundant and striking rhododendrons and azaleas as well as many fine specimen trees. There is a tree house for children.

Directions: Arndean is well signposted off the A977.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Marie Curie 60%