Description:
Set within the glorious historic Blair Polices dating back to the 1500s, at the Carriage House, the Borwicks have planted a beautiful new Arboretum. This continues to build on the vision of past generations of Blairs of creating a sanctuary of rare species trees. Over the past three 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 paths wend their way around providing different vistas and points of interest including the mermaids rescuing a girl carved by a local artist from the stump of a Portuguese Laurel. Look out for the 24-year old Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) grown from seed here at Blair, an avenue of eight different lime trees which earned a Queen's Green Canopy Award, a Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Golden Dawn' and many other rare trees. To sit on one of the benches created from our own wood and enjoy the energies of the Arboretum is a special experience. The Carriage House garden, created from a field over the past 20 years and planted with many varieties of roses and mature shrubs, is also available for a wander. You are welcome to bring a picnic and we welcome garden societies and walking groups.
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.
Other details:
Email us or text 07831 301294 using 'Garden Visit' as the subject. Please leave your contact name and number. Dogs very strictly on short leads due to sheep in the field.
