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Total of 31 openings.
Laundry Cottage

Laundry Cottage

Culdrain, Gartly, Huntly AB54 4PY
Judith McPhun
By arrangement (2024)
b046
T:01466 720768 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%
Mouse Cottage

Mouse Cottage

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

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

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

Delvine

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

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

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

Harthill

Reediehill Farm, Auchtermuchty KY14 7HS
Nichola and John Fletcher
By arrangement between 2 January - 31 October (2024)
6
T:01337 828369 info@nicholafletcher.com
Harthill enjoys a tranquil setting in the Ochil hills just above Auchtermuchty with beautiful views and, if you are lucky, sightings of the herd of stunning pure white deer who also live there. The garden, of approximately one acre, offers a large flower garden, vegetables and fruit, two separate wild gardens planted with specimen trees, a lochan and a small woodland. Spring-time treats (late May to early June) are our meconopsis and primula beds with woodland plants at their best. Summer offers herbaceous interest including a pergola dripping with roses and a large mound with grasses, thalictrum and many very 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. Continue 50 metres up the drive then turn LEFT at HARTHILL sign. Continue over the cattle grid up the unsurfaced drive till you reach Harthilll house. Directions can be emailed.

Admission: by donation
Charities: TST 60%
Dawson's Garden

Dawson's Garden

The Old Post Office, Kilmany KY15 4PT
Liz Murray
By arrangement between 6 January - 22 December (2024)
45e9
T:07531571045 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, 8 miles from Dundee or 1.5 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 50%
The Pond Garden

The Pond Garden

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

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

Admission: £5.50, children free
Charities: CHAS: Children's Hospices Across Scotland 60%
Chaplains' Court

Chaplains' Court

20 The Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 1RQ
Irene Wischik
By arrangement between 1 March - 30 September (2024)
0c467
T:01224 491675 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%
The Steading at Clunie

The Steading at Clunie

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

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

Admission: by donation
Charities: Save the Children UK 60%
Bonhard House

Bonhard House

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

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

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

South Flisk

Blebo Craigs, Cupar KY15 5UQ
Mr and Mrs George Young
By arrangement between 1 April - 30 June (2024)
2c46
T:01334 850859 southfliskgarden@gmail.com
The spectacular views to Perthshire and Angus, and the large flooded quarry full of fish (and occasional otter) and 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 until 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 be demonstrating his pottery skills for those who need a break from the garden! A new water garden with a stream running through it 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 saying Blebo Craigs. See map on our website. Bus to Blebo Craigs.

Admission: £6.00, children free
Charities: Médecins Sans Frontières 60%
Hollytree Lodge

Hollytree Lodge

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

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

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund 60%
46 South Street

46 South Street

St Andrews KY16 9JT
Mrs June Baxter
By arrangement between 1 April - 31 July (2024)
467
T:01334 474995 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%
Rosewells

Rosewells

Baldinnie, Ceres KY15 5LE
Birgitta and Gordon MacDonald
By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2024)
67
g.macdonald54@hotmail.co.uk
Rosewells, designed by the garden owners, has developed over the last 25 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 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

Kirklands

Saline KY12 9TS
Peter and Gill Hart
By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2024)
2c8467
T:07787 115477 peter@kirklandsgarden.co.uk
Kirklands, built in 1832, has been the Hart family home for 46 years. Over the years we have created a garden. The walled garden was reinstated from a paddock including terracing and raised beds. In 2023 we introduced two bee hives. Unfortunately, our box hedges in the walled garden and elsewhere are being removed due to box blight, but it gives us the opportunity to make some changes! The woodland garden starts in February with snowdrops then bluebells, hellebores, trilliums, fritillaries, rhododendrons, meconopsis and candelabra primulas. The rockery displays dwarf rhododendrons and azaleas. The herbaceous borders reach their peak in the summer. Down by the Saline Burn, the bog garden is home to a giant Gunnera manicata. 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%
The Tower

The Tower

1 Northview Terrace, Wormit DD6 8PP
Peter and Angela Davey
By arrangement between 1 April - 1 October (2024)
4
T:01382 541635 M: 07768 406946 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 and walk up path on left following signs.

Admission: £6.00, children free
Charities: Brain Tumour Research 60%
Craigowan

Craigowan

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

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

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: LUPUS UK 60%
10 Menzieshill Road

10 Menzieshill Road

Dundee DD2 1PW
Frances Tait
By arrangement between 20 April - 5 May, 2 - 5pm and from 6 May - 2 June, 2 - 5pm and 7 - 9pm. All visitors welcome including groups of up to to 15 people. Please phone 01382 665719 to arrange a visit. (2024)
04
T:01382 665719
On a sloping site facing the river, No 10 is home to one of the nine wells in this part of the west end of Dundee. At one time, the well provided drinking water for a nearby farmhouse and two cottages. It was also the first and last water available to carriers' horses on their way to and from Dundee. Now it feeds rhododendrons and camellias, many of which came from the Rothschilds' garden at Exbury, Hampshire. Of particular interest are magnolia 'Manchu Fan' and rhododendrons 'Loderic King George' and 'Lady Chamberlain'. More recently, an area near the well has been given over to bulbs and small herbaceous plants, various irises and primulas.

Directions: Turn off A85/Riverside Ave at the roundabout towards Dundee Botanic Garden. Pass the Botanic Garden to where it joins Perth Road. Turn left then 1st right onto Invergowrie Drive and 1st left onto Menzieshill Road. Bus 5 takes you to the foot of Glamis Road; Buses 5A and 19 to Hazel Drive. Walk west along Perth Road until you come to Invergowrie Drive.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Cancer Research UK 60%
Willowhill

Willowhill

Forgan, Newport-on-Tay DD6 8RA
Eric Wright and Sally Lorimore
By arrangement between 27 April - 31 August (2024)
6
T:01382 542890 e.g.wright@dundee.ac.uk
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 new ‘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 £20 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/4srm6rux or by post (cheque for £23 payable to Scotland’s Garden Scheme) from S. Lorimore, Willowhill, Forgan, Newport-on-Tay, Fife DD6 8RA.

Directions: One-and-a-half 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: Newport-on-Tay 50%
Pitcurran House

Pitcurran House

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

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

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

Beech Cottage

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

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

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

Carig Dhubh

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

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

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Earl Haig Fund Poppy Scotland 60%
Glenbervie House

Glenbervie House

Drumlithie, Stonehaven AB39 3YA
Mr and Mrs A Macphie
By arrangement between 1 May - 15 September. **PLEASE ALSO NOTE THE OPEN DAY ON 4 AUGUST** (2024)
6
The nucleus of the large garden at Glenbervie is the traditional Victorian walled garden. It slopes south east for 1½ acres, divided essentially into four sections, including vegetables punctuated by annuals, roses and lawn, surrounded by fruit and perennials. At the top of the garden is an extensive heated greenhouse, well worth exploring. A lovely woodland garden can be found in other parts of the garden, also around the house, lawns with herbaceous and shrub borders.

Directions: Drumlithie one mile. Garden is 1½ miles off the A90. 

Admission: £6.00, children free
Charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance 60%
No Photo

The Old Farmhouse

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

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

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: ABF The Soldiers' Charity 60%
48 Rumblingwell

48 Rumblingwell

48 Rumblingwell, Dunfermline KY12 9AS
Rik Morley
By arrangement between 18 May - 31 July (2024)
04679
T:07733855794 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 flowers allium 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%
7 Craigend Cottages

7 Craigend Cottages

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

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

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 60%
Two Gardens in Banchory Devenick

Two Gardens in Banchory Devenick

Banchory Devenick AB12 5XR
Angela and Derek Townsley & Jane and Terry O'Kelly
By arrangement between 1 June - 31 July (2024)
2c
T:text 07712 528450 janeokelly868@gmail.com
Pinetrees Cottage Banchory Devenick AB12 5XR (Angela and Derek Townsley): A mature garden set in three-quarters of an acre, filled with a wide range of hardy plants including rhododendrons, azaleas, acers, topiary and roses, with two ponds. An alpine house is fronted by stone troughs filled with rock plants. Set in a backdrop of mature pine trees to the north and open fields to the south.
Whin Cottage Ardoe, Aberdeen AB12 5XT (Jane and Terry O'Kelly): A cottage garden of just under half an acre surrounded by farmland. It features a border of rhododendrons and azaleas, several mixed borders, two formal rose beds, a wildlife pond and four raised beds growing a variety of vegetables and flowers for the house. The garden reflects a love of colour and structure and an interest in wildlife.

Directions: Pinetrees Cottage: Banchory Devenick is four miles from Bridge of Dee. Turn off B9077 at Banchory Devenick church. Follow to T-junction, turn right. Next right is Butterywells Steading. Turn into opening and follow track, go around the back of farmhouse (Lochend) and continue on track to Pinetrees. Whin Cottage: Take the B9077 out of Aberdeen. After approximately two miles turn left immediately after Banchory Devenick Church, signposted Banchory Devenick. (There is parking available along the verge on the left). Turn right after 100 metres. Whin Cottage is on the right immediately after you have turned. There is limited parking outside the cottage.

Admission: £6.00, children free
Charities: Fighting For Sight Aberdeen 60%
Helensbank House

Helensbank House

Kincardine FK10 4QZ
David Buchanan-Cook
By arrangement between 1 June - 31 August (2024)
1c4ea
T:07739 312912 Helensbank@aol.com
Hidden away from public view, this is an 18th-century walled garden, with main feature a Cedar of Lebanon, reputedly planted in 1750 by the sea captain who built the house. The tree is registered as a 'Notable Tree' and while it provides challenges for planting, in terms of shade and needle fall, the microclimate it provides has encouraged the owner's passion for pushing boundaries and growing unusual and exotic plants. Distinctive garden ‘rooms’ in part of the garden comprise a perennial blue and white cottage garden, a formal rose garden and an Italian double courtyard with citrus trees in pots. A ‘hot’ courtyard contains exotics including varieties of banana, acacia, iochroma, impatiens, melianthus and brugmansia. A shaded walk along the bottom of the garden leads to a Japanese themed area including a pagoda and dry river. A large glasshouse hosts various exotic and climbing plants. The garden has well over a hundred roses, including the National Collection of Portland roses. These are best viewed from mid June to early July.
National Plant Collection: Portland Roses
Champion Trees: The garden has a 'notable' Cedar of Lebanon, the second largest in Fife

Directions: The garden is down a lane off the main Toll Road. SGS signs.

Admission: £6.00, children free
Charities: Maggie's 60%
Blanerne

Blanerne

West Road, Charlestown KY11 3EW
Lesley and Geoff Fenlon
By arrangement between 1 June - 31 August (2024)
469
lesleyabloomer@gmail.com
South-facing hidden village garden with lots of paths to follow and many places to sit, both sunny and shaded. The centrepiece of the garden is a large oval pond with wildlife-friendly planting. Surrounding the pond are several mini-gardens including a rose courtyard garden with catmint, salvias, beech, false indigo and featuring a bubble fountain. There is also a vegetable patch, woodland, a shady courtyard and a summerhouse garden enclosed by a young purple beech/wild rose hedge.

Directions: Driving: follow signs from the A985 into Charlestown. Follow the road until you see the village shop, The Sutlery, which is available for takeaway all day Saturday and Sunday mornings - these can be eaten in the garden. Parking is behind the Charlestown Workshop which is next to the shop. Cycling: National Route76 passes c20m from the house. Public transport: bus 6/6A from Dunfermline or bus 88A from Kincardine or Inverkeithing. Get off at The Green in Charlestown and walk towards the shop. From the village shop, walk west about 20m along West Road. Turn left down the tarmac driveway opposite 10 West Road, and the garden is on the right hand side at the end.

Admission: £6.00, children free
Charities: Mary's Meals 60%
Madeira

Madeira

Grangemuir, Pittenweem KY10 2RB
Tara Macdonald
By arrangement between 1 June - 30 September (Tuesday, Thursday & Friday) (2024)
47
T:07867 798746 tara@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
Parkvilla

Parkvilla

47 Schoolhill, Ellon AB41 9AJ
Andy and Kim Leonard
By arrangement between 6 July - 29 September (2024)
246
T:07786 748296 andy.leonard@btinternet.com
A south-facing Victorian walled garden, lovingly developed from a design started in 1990 to give colour and interest all year. Enjoy densely planted herbaceous borders, pause under the pergola clothed in clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses, continue on to the bottom of the garden where three ponds and wildflower beds reflect a strong focus on wildlife. This is a hidden gem of a garden that has won awards including Ellon Best Garden and with plants rarely seen in north-east Scotland. 

Directions: From centre of Ellon head north towards Auchnagatt. Schoolhill is third left. From Auchnagatt head into Ellon along Golf Road, Schoolhill is first right after the golf course. Limited on-street parking, car parks in Ellon (five minutes walk) and Caroline's Well Wood. Public toilets in Ellon town centre.

Admission: £5.00, children free
Charities: Ellon Men's Shed 20%, Alzheimer Scotland 20% & St Mary On The Rock Episcopal Church Ellon 20%
Middle Cairncake

Middle Cairncake

Cuminestown, Turriff AB53 5YS
Nick and Penny Orpwood
By arrangement between 15 July - 31 July (2024)
267
T:01888 544432 orpwood@hotmail.com
The garden here surrounds the traditional farmhouse and steading in a rural landscape. We enjoy a series of gardens, all interlinked, and with different character and planting; roses, heathers, ponds, borders and beds, wild area plus a large vegetable plot with polytunnel for self-sufficiency. We grow annuals from seed collected from our own plants. The spring open afternoons will show a colourful garden getting ready for the summer planting. Refreshments will be served in our winter garden which houses tender plants such as begonias, passionflowers and brugmansia.

Directions: Middle Cairncake is on the A9170 between New Deer and Cuminestown. It is clearly signposted. 

Admission: £7.00, children free
Charities: Parkinsons UK 60%