Gardens to visit this All Hallows Eve

Monday 1 October, 2018

We think all our gardens are lovely, but with the right imagination every tree branch can look like a skeleton 's hands and every rustle of leaves is a witch's incantation.

Here we explore some houses and gardens that have some spooky tales and stories from within their wales.

Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
Isle of Skye IV55 8WF

The gardens took many hundreds of years to be created, as so many designs had to be halted as a result of the Jacobite rebellion and then later the potato famine. They had to overcome the wild wind and weather found on the coast and were constantly munched back by animals. Despite the hardships, these gardens are a delight to behold and a wonderful day out in their mature form.

Five acres of formal gardens dating from the 18th century. In contrast to the barren moorland of Skye, the gardens are an oasis featuring an eclectic mix of plants, woodland glades, shimmering pools fed by waterfalls and streams flowing down to the sea. After the water garden with its ornate bridges and islands replete with a rich and colourful plant variety, wander through the elegant surroundings of the formal round garden. The walled garden is worth a visit to see its colourful herbaceous borders and recently added Victorian style glasshouse. In what was formerly the castle's vegetable garden, there is a garden museum and a diverse range of plants and flowers which complement the features including a waterlily pond, a neoclassical urn and a larch pergola. Replanting and landscaping has taken place over the last 30 years to restore and develop the gardens.

1 April - 15 October, 10am - 5:30pm (2018)
Admission £12.00, children £7.00.

Ardmaddy Castle

Ardmaddy Castle
by Oban PA34 4QY

The house has been burnt, ruined and imprisoned Jacobites. When MacDougall power ruled, murder could well have happened within the walls.

The gardens, in a most spectacular setting, are shielded by mature woodlands, and protected from the winds by the elevated castle. The walled garden is full of magnificent rhododendrons, a collection of rare and unusual shrubs and plants, the 'Clock Garden' with its cutting flowers, the new

12 March - 31 December, 9am - Dusk
Admission £4.50, children free

.crevice garden, fruit and veg grown with labour saving formality, all within dwarf box hedging. Beyond, a woodland walk, with its 60 foot hydrangea, leads to the water gardens. Lovely autumn colour. A plantsman's garden for all seasons.

12 March - 31 December, 9am - Dusk
Admission £4.50, children free

Fyvie Castle
Fyvie, Turriff AB53 8JS

It's a beautiful day out at Fyvie, the gardens are lovely to sauntered through, but legend has it the house is haunted. After renovation works, the residents of the castle were plagued by mysterious goings on. and bizarre noises. There is also a sealed room as well as two curses associated with the castle.

An 18th century walled garden developed as a garden of Scottish fruits and vegetables. There is also the American garden, Rhymer's Haugh woodland garden, a loch and parkland to visit. Expert staff are always on hand to answer any questions. Learn about the collection of Scottish fruits and their cultivation, and exciting projects for the future. Check the Fyvie Castle Facebook page for up to date information on fruit and vegetable availability.

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

Fyvie Castle

Missing Summer already? Or looking forward to spring? Why not look back at some of the other gardens we've featured this year.

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Sources

https://www.dunvegancastle.com/your-visit/gardens/garden-history/
https://www.thecastlesofscotland.co.uk/the-best-castles/feature-articles/ardmaddy-castle/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fyvie_Castle

Gardens to visit this All Hallows Eve