Gardens to visit in October

Monday 1 October, 2018

There is something extra special about visiting a garden in Autumn, perhaps it's the crisp cool air, or the extra effort required in pulling on some extra layers.

These gardens have an amazing sense of space and are waiting to be explored on their open days.

Glenkyllachy ©Peter Keyser

Glenkyllachy
Tomatin IV13 7YA

In a magnificent Highland glen, at 1,150ft Glenkyllachy offers a glorious garden of shrubs, herbaceous plants, rhododendrons, trees and spectacular views down the Findhorn River. There are some rare specimens and an embryonic arboretum. Experience glorious autumn colours from September. Original sculptures and a Highgrove-inspired wall provide year-round interest. New bronze sculpture and waterfall feature for 2018.

Sunday 7 October, 2pm - 5pm
Admission £5.00, children free.

Dawyck Botanic Garden ©Kathy Henry

Dawyck Botanic Garden
Stobo EH45 9JU

Stunning collection of rare trees and shrubs. With over 300 years of tree planting, Dawyck is a world-famous arboretum with mature specimens of Chinese conifers, Japanese maples, Brewer's spruce, the unique Dawyck beech and sequoiadendrons from North America which are over 45 metres tall. Bold herbaceous plantings run along the burn. Range of trails and walks. Fabulous autumn colours.
National Plant Collection: Larix spp. and Tsuga spp
Champion Trees: Numerous

Sunday 7 October, 10am - 5pm
Admission details can be found on the garden's website.

There are some exciting activities taking place in two beautiful gardens at either end of Scotland. Scotland's Gardens Scheme has paired up with the Scottish Storytelling Centre for 'Growing Stories', storytelling events in some of Scotland's fantastic gardens. Where will you visit?

Fingask Castle
Rait PH2 7SA

There is many a tale to be told at Fingask. Alice in Wonderland topiary staggers across the lawn, bumping into stone globes and statues from three centuries. Historical and literary figures, steel shapes, black torsos, and belvederes are scattered among pleasure gardens first laid out in the 18th century. Three jolly drinkers: Burns, Tam O’Shanter and Souter Johnnie dominate the short yew walk above the castle. Both Bonnie Prince Charlie and his father are said to have approached the castle from the longer yew parade aptly named the King’s Walk.

Thursday 11 October, 2pm - 5pm
Admission £5.00, children free.

Fingask Castle ©Carolyn Bell

The boat house on the man-made loch at Dalswinton House ©Val Corbett

Dalswinton House
Dalswinton DG2 0XZ

Keen to listen to stories about the maiden voyage of Britain’s first steamboat? Huddle around the boat itself to hear tales the brave Red Comyn, who lived at Dalswinton and was killed by Robert the Bruce in 1306. Or step back in time and hear tales about Romans who encamped upon the hills nearby. Soak in the garden's history and stand in awe at the large man made loch with island folly.

Sunday 21 October, 2pm - 5pm
Admission £5.00, children free.