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Gardens to visit in Scotland in February 2023 (with Valentine’s Day destinations)
After several gloomy weeks, we are holding onto the hope that one day there will be light, there will be warmth and the plants will not fail us and will burst into flower again, filling our gardens with scent, colour, and sweet nectar. Trust us, it will happen. You may have spotted the first snowdrops and crocuses poking through the soil already or watched young stems of daffodils pushing their energy upwards to fill our hearts yet again with hope and joy.
If you are yet to notice the signs of nature waking up, we have listed snowdrop gardens to visit in Scotland in February on our blog.
If snowdrops are not your thing, read on…
Do you like to spoil your loved ones with gifts and attention on February 14th, or would you rather be in the garden? You may be surprised to hear that Valentine’s Day isn’t only about love and romance. In Slovenia, Saint Valentine was one of the saints of spring, the saint of good health and the patron of beekeepers and pilgrims. It was believed that plants and flowers wake up to grow on February 14th and the birds get engaged on that day. Some people still go out in the frozen fields to watch birds proposing to each other. The day marks the beginning of work in the vineyards and in the fields. In some regions it is a celebration of spring.
You don’t have to feel romantic to celebrate on 14th February, and it is a good excuse to go out for a winter walk amongst trees and shrubs and sense the awakening of the spring.
There are wonderful gardens in Scotland open around Valentine’s Day. Whether you wish to take your special human on a date out or make a solo trip to spot early signs of spring, consider visiting one of the gardens open for charity this month.
Below are just a few recommendations of gardens to visit in February and beyond.
When visiting, remember to take a few pictures and tage us on social media #LoveScotlandsGardens
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden in Cairndow
Cairndow PA26 8BG
The garden has a Fairy Trail and a Gruffalo Trail. Walk amongst the mightiest conifer in Europe and other champion trees.
Oldtown of Leys Garden in Inverness
Inverness IV2 6AE
Three acres has year-round interest with winter appeal from the conifers, evergreens, and structures. Includes a rockery, water features, musical instruments, a stumpery, and an area of prairie planting.
Glenwhan Gardens in Dunragit, by Stranraer
Dunragit, by Stranraer DG9 8PH
Situated at 300 feet the garden overlooks Luce Bay and the Mull of Galloway, with clear views to the Isle of Man. There is colour in all seasons, winding paths, and well-placed seats. Tree Trail featuring over 120 trees. The Tearoom serves home cooked meals.
Ardmaddy Castle by Oban
by Oban PA34 4QY
The gardens lie in a most spectacular setting in the centre of a horseshoe valley sheltered by mixed mature woodlands and the elevated castle standing on a volcanic mound to seaward. Holiday cottages available.
Gordon Castle Walled Garden in Fochabers
Fochabers, Moray IV32 7PQ
Gordon Castle has one of the oldest and largest (almost eight acres) walled gardens in Britain. Lovingly restored to its former glory with a modern design by award-winning designer Arne Maynard.
Ardtornish by Lochaline, Morvern
by Lochaline, Morvern PA80 5UZ
Ardtornish Estate spreads out around Loch Aline, a huge, wooded, U-shaped bay, a natural haven. Wonderful gardens of interesting mature trees, shrubs and herbaceous plantings, set amid magnificent scenery.
Achnacloich in Connel, Oban
Connel, Oban PA37 1PR
The 20-acre woodland garden, overlooking Loch Etive, planted with a wide range of trees and shrubs from other continents. The light woodland canopy consists of native oaks and several magnificent 150-year-old Scots pines and European larch.
Abriachan Garden Nursery, Loch Ness Side
Loch Ness Side IV3 8LA
Outstanding garden with views over Loch Ness spread across four acres of exciting plantings, with paths through native woodlands. February highlights include snowdrops and hellebores.
Shepherd House
Inveresk, Musselburgh EH21 7TH
Shepherd House is a very personal garden of approx one acre, designed by its owners. It hosts over 70 named varieties of snowdrops, a good collection of hellebores, as well as crocus, aconites Iris unguicularis and reticulata, and later in the year species tulips and many other spring flowering bulbs.
Kirkton Manor House
Peebles EH45 9JH
An informal country garden set in the beautiful Manor Valley. It enjoys spectacular open views and calling curlews from its riverside position.
Barguillean's 'Angus Garden' in Taynuilt
Taynuilt PA35 1HY
Nine-acre woodland garden around an 11-acre loch set in the Glen Lonan Hills. Three marked walks from 30 minutes to one-and-a-half hours
