Gardens
There are many varied and colourful gardens to visit in Perthshire, but it is also worth remembering that Perthshire is known as "big tree country" and has several specimens worth visiting quite close to Killin Highland Lodges.
The oldest tree in Europe is a Yew which is to be found very near Killin Highland Lodges at Fortingall village church just a few miles along Loch Tay and a short detour off the Aberfeldy road. It is estimated to be roughly 3,500 years old, and in 1769 it's girth was measured at 56 feet! It grows in the grounds of Fortingal Church, a hidden suprise in this quiet corner of Perthshire which, legend has it, was the birth place of Pontius Pilate.
The tallest hedge in Europe is to be found at Keillour, near where a bridge crosses the River Tay just south of Blairgowrie
The tallest tree in Scotland grows at the Hermitage just off the A9 near Dunkeld. The Hermitage has lovely walks some of which are alongside the River Braan and are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. It also has an impressive waterfall which is best viewed from the folly "Ossians Hall" built out over the river.
The Perthshire Gardens Collection provide a delightful variety of colorful gardens--from small, lovingly tended, privately owned gardens full of specialist flowers to large formal gardens in the grounds of stately homes.
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Drummond Castle Gardens
Tel: 01764 681433
Url: http://www.drummondcastlegardens.co.uk/Formal gardens are wonderfully represented on the outskirts of Crieff by Drummond Castle Gardens which have maintained the original splendor of the "magnificent Italian gardens in Renaissance style" first laid out by John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth in the 17th century.
Drummond Castle was built on a rocky outcrop by John, 1st Lord Drummond. The 2nd Earl, a Privy Councillor to James VI and Charles I, succeeded in 1612 and is credited with transforming both the gardens and the castle. The keep still stands but the rest of the castle was restored and largely remodelled by the 1st Earl of Ancaster in 1890.
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Bells Cherrybank Gardens - Perth
Sadly these gardens closed to the public on 31st March 2008. -
Perth
The Branklin Gardens and take a walk along the banks of the "silvery" Tay amid the beautiful gardens, just 5 minutes walk from the shops! It is only a short drive from here to visit Scone Palace with its gardens and rich history.
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Dundee Botanic Garden - Dundee
Tel: 01738 472800
Url: http://www.dundeebotanicgarden.co.uk/You can see a very wide range of plants at the Dundee Botanic Garden, which hosts a splendid collection of conifers, broadleaf trees and shrubs in tropical and temperate glasshouses with plants from all continents in the world.
The University of Dundee Botanic Garden, open to the public since its foundation in 1971, has been described as the jewel in the crown of the University. The Garden is a centre for public enjoyment in addition to its principal function of supplying plant material for teaching and research within the University of Dundee.
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Cambo Estate Gardens - St Andrews
Tel: 01738 472800
Url: http://www.camboestate.com/Cambo Estate is host to a Victorian walled garden, originally for supplying the house with fruit, flowers and vegetables, and now open to the general public. There is an ornamental potager, rare plants and a well-known snowdrop collection. The family welcomes you to absorb the beauty of the gardens, woodland walks and shoreline and unwind in the informal, restful atmosphere that makes Cambo so special.
- Linn Botanic Gardens at Cove by Helensburgh has formal ponds and gardens and a nursery selling plants.
- Geilston Gardens at Cardross is a National Trust property which includes a walled garden and a wooded glen.
- Glenarn Gardens at Rhu is famous for it's rhododendrons, in a sheltered woodland garden overlooking the Gareloch.
- Mike's Garden is also worth a look - a super website covering many topics even including gardening!
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