It’s New, and it’s very, very old; both the 17th century designed Fingask landscape and the Fingask Long Barrow. Come and see it open on our open days and by email request. The Barrow is a 3 minute walk from the 17th century designed landscape lying in front of the castle, and forming a background of what is now Scotland’s only surrealist garden, where 19th century sculptured literary figures bump into topiary, marble balls, celtic heads and a medieval wishing well. You can approach Fingask, as Bonnie Prince Charlie and his father are said to have done, up the ‘King’s Walk’ to the front of the castle to admire the view of the Carse of Gowrie. A longer walk will take you down to the dell, where a Chinese bridge and medieval wishing well can be discovered, walk over the bridge, follow the path over another bridge, and then up the bridge to another car park. From the car park you can follow signs towards the Fingask lake, and just before the lake turn right up an estate road where the Barrow can be found. Fingask has huge sempervirens and giant redwoods, southern beech, the Champion Bhutan Pine and new grove of fossil trees: Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Wollemi Pine and Ginko.
Champion Trees: Pinus wallichiana (Bhutan Pine), Metasequoia glyptostroboides and the handsome remnants of what was the largest walnut in Scotland

A constantly evolving artist’s garden that never stands still, with lots of surprises including a shell house built in 2014, rose parterres, a rill and fountains. At its heart are the plants filling every border, spilling over arches and lining paths, which are the inspiration for Ann’s paintings. The season starts with the snowdrop collection of over 70 cultivars, moves on through hellebores, tulips, irises and roses. One of the garden's features is a mirror steel diamond sculpture to commemorate the Frasers' diamond wedding anniversary.

Ardchattan Manse is situated on the south-facing shores of Loch Etive and has a mild climate compared to many plant collections further inland. Snowdrops open early here, often in the first week of February. The snowdrop collection has been established over several years and has been moved to the garden at Ardchattan Manse relatively recently where it is now building up numbers. There is information on different species and cultivars and the owners will accompany the groups round the collection.

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.

Any visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without enjoying the wealth of history and horticultural delights at award-winning 5* Dunvegan Castle and 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.

Dunimarle Castle sits on the outskirts of the historic village of Culross, surrounded by 52 acres of formal gardens, meadows and woodlands. Entering the grounds from the rose arch on the main road, you will find the imposing Victorian gothic-style chapel, beautifully framed by the striking tulip tree and rhododendrons. Follow the path up towards the castle to the Italianate yew-lined terrace with its south-facing wall, home to a growing collection of grapes and other fruiting plants. The Bastion Garden provides a perfect backdrop to the original Georgian part of the castle with its colourful borders and trees. A stroll up the once grand 'North Drive' takes you past specimen Monkey Puzzle trees sandwiched between dramatic redwoods and rhododendrons.
Champion Trees: Tulip Tree, Cedar, Monkey Puzzle, Redwood

Preston Hall is a 3.5 acre walled garden based in Pathhead. Restoration of the 18th century walled garden started in 2011, and today Head Gardener Kate Danesh oversees the ever-evolving transformation. February will see the first glimpse of life again in the garden with the appearance of snowdrops. The Walled Garden and surrounding parkland are carpeted in the beautiful white flowers.

Developed over the last 39 years, this one-acre, plantswoman'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) and Meconopsis (George Sherriff Group & related M.gakyidinia)

Situated between Lindores House and Lindores Loch, and with stunning views over the loch, the garden has been developed by the current owners over the last 45 years. It now includes extensive lochside and woodland walks with banks of snowdrops, leucojum, hostas, gunnera manicata, primula, astilbes, crocuses, fritillaria, spring and autumn cyclamen, hellebores and a notably impressive collection of trilliums. As well as the much older established trees - and in particular the splendid 17th century yew (believed to be the largest in Fife which you can actually walk inside) there are more recent plantings of interesting specimen trees and shrubs. The herbaceous beds are mainly laid out formally around the old tennis court overlooking the loch. There is a one-acre walled garden, mainly used for growing fruit and vegetables, and a new garden in front of the recently converted stable building.

Monimail Tower gardens is situated in the Howe of Fife, a 19th century walled garden and orchard, built around a 15th century tower, the remains of Cardinal Beaton's summer palace. The garden has been an organic vegetable garden since 1985. We are now developing flower beds, but very much in a natural and wildlife friendly way. You will find peacefulness and tranquillity, but not the formality associated with walled gardens. It is a haven for invertebrates and birds. The garden hosts a site for allotments for local people and the woodlands and orchard are open to the general public all year round with a carpet of snowdrops, aconites, then followed by wild garlic in spring. The garden has a marvellous aspect sloping south, surrounded by ancient yew trees and an orchard. The tower is open to visitors and hosts a little museum. You can climb up to the roof and enjoy a beautiful view.

A constantly evolving artist’s garden that never stands still, with lots of surprises including a shell house built in 2014, rose parterres, a rill and fountains. At its heart are the plants filling every border, spilling over arches and lining paths, which are the inspiration for Ann’s paintings. The season starts with the snowdrop collection of over 70 cultivars, moves on through hellebores, tulips, irises and roses. One of the garden's features is a mirror steel diamond sculpture to commemorate the Frasers' diamond wedding anniversary.

First opening for snowdrops in 1951, these mature grounds have a wonderful display of snowdrops as well as aconites and many other wildflowers. Walks through the woods and alongside the River Dee make this a memorable afternoon. We will have snowdrops for sale and homemade teas in the house.

Craig snowdrops have evolved over the last 40 or so years. Round the house and policies, a large variety has been planted with a varied flowering season stretching from the start of January until April and peaking mid-February. Large drifts of Leucojum vernum (winter snowflake) have started to naturalise here and along the riverbank, a variety of snowdrops swept down by the river have naturalised in the adjacent woodland, known as the Snowdrop Walk. 

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. 

Teasses features beautifully designed drifts of planting, with extensive views to the borrowed landscape beyond, as well as gorgeous spring and summer borders around the greenhouse, where one can sit and enjoy the views and refreshments. A wonderful and romantic setting.Snowdrop Opening: A magical candlelit snowdrop walk. Details are updated as follows: entrance is from 4pm with final admission at 6.30pm. There is a refreshment cafe which will be open until 8pm. The cost is £30 per car with refreshments charged additionally. Booking in advance is essential, car parking spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment, booking link details below.Hellebore Opening: Wonderful walks throughout this 60- acre romantic garden with over 150 hellebores planted in clusters throughout the restored Victorian walled garden, formal gardens and decorative woodlands. Early bulbs including thousands of early daffodils carpeting the woodland garden will be in flower too.

Sited on the edge of Coupar Angus, the wider grounds of Princeland House garden are currently under active renovation and replanting by Mrs Carmichael. There is a wooded area around the drive and entrance with an extended area of beautiful and different snowdrops planted in drifts among mature trees. Strong winds may affect openings.Accommodation can be booked on princelandcottages.co.uk

Scone Palace will be hosting a day to celebrate the snowdrop display that grows in the gardens and grounds of this historic site. A waymarked 'Snowdrop Walk' will guide you through the Friars Den, Victorian Pinetum and down the old drive lined with an avenue of lime trees. Join the Palace gardens team as they plant up a wooded area of the grounds for a new snowdrop display. Here you will learn to increase your own snowdrop display at home where lifting, splitting and transplanting will be demonstrated. As a thank you, a gift of a few snowdrops will be given to improve or start your own collection.

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!

This smaller-sized garden packs a punch in late winter/early spring with a fine display of hellebores. A collection of over 100 of these beautiful plants has been built up over the last few years and nursery-grown hellebores are constantly being supplemented by plants grown from collected seed. The collection includes hellebores in a wide range of colours in both the single and double forms. Home-grown double whites are a particular favourite. The garden is bordered by trees on its long side which provide a backdrop to the garden and supply the partial shade which hellebores love. Other plantings, including acers, magnolia and rhododendrons, all add to the woodland feel.

Kailzie Gardens sits at the heart of the Tweed Valley just a mile east of Peebles occupying a beautiful position on the River Tweed. At its heart lies the stunning walled garden with plantings of many unusual shrubs, laburnum arches, an enchanting rose garden and spectacular herbaceous borders and one of the best examples of a Mackenzie and Moncur glasshouse still in existence, filled with fuchsias, pelargoniums and exotics. The garden also features prize winning show vegetables. The surrounding woodlands have one of the best laid arboretums in Scotland, with champion trees and specimens (including the oldest larch), providing acres of captivating woodland and burnside walks and spectacular vistas.
Champion Trees: Larch planted 1725

Ecclesgreig Castle, Victorian gothick on a 16th-century core, is undergoing restoration. The castle is thought to be an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The snowdrop walk, with a variety of snowdrops, starts at the castle, meanders around the estate, along woodland paths and the pond, ending at the garden. In the Italian balustraded gardens, there is a 140-foot-long herbaceous border, classical statues and stunning shaped topiary with views across St Cyrus to the sea. Started from a derelict site, development continues. Also to be found in the grounds is the ancient well of St Cyrus.

Eighteenth-century garden gradually being returned to its former layout. Lawns with mature trees, shrubs, abundant snowdrops and a woodland walk along the valley, formed by 12th-century dams that were originally built to form fish ponds. The valley has been totally cleared in the last couple of years and the burn and snowdrops are now visible from both sides of the valley. Visitors are welcome to return when the daffodils are in flower.

The garden at Stobshiel House is effectively split into four main parts viz., the walled garden, the shrubbery, the pond and lawns and the woodland areas. Each area is laid out and planted to provide the visitor with all year round interest from swathes of aconites, snowdrops and narcissi in spring to a vast array of perennials, roses, clematis and annuals throughout summer and autumn. The extensive collection of shrubs and mature trees offer a fantastic backdrop during all seasons.

Woodland garden of beech trees, carpeted with snowdrops, aconites and crocuses in spring, set around a 1755 house. There is also a walled garden planted with fruit trees and vegetables. The property was owned for many years by Elizabeth and Patrick Allan-Fraser who remodelled Hospitalfield House in Arbroath.

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. 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. Visit in March for over 200 hellebores, May for late spring bulbs and flowers, June and July for roses and high summer colour and August for late summer colour. Visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments and picnic in the garden. A season ticket for all these dates, and by arrangement (available at the garden or online) is £25 and admits the ticket holder plus guest.

Humbie Dean is an informal two-acre ornamental, woodland and vegetable garden on a variety of levels, sandwiched between two burns at 600 feet, developed since 2009. The garden is densely planted for year-round interest, not just from flowers, but foliage, bark and berries. The woodland gorge part of the garden is accessible only by a series of steps.

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.

Kinblethmont is an historic estate which, with its advantageous elevated position, has been settled since Pictish times. In the centre is the Victorian mansion house surrounded by beautiful policy woodlands where specimen trees and daffodils abound. Paths take you through the woods past the old pet cemetery and to the walled garden with children’s play area. A longer walk will take you up around the solar park with spectacular views over to the Angus hills and the North Sea.

Developed over the last 39 years, this one-acre, plantswoman'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) and Meconopsis (George Sherriff Group & related M.gakyidinia)

Kirklands, built in 1832, has been the Hart family home for 48 years. 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 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 late summer with bright yellow rudbeckia, verbena and echinacea. Down by the Saline Burn there are 30 species of many-coloured primula and 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!