Day 1 : Mon 6th May
Ardmaddy Castle, hosted by Mr & Mrs Archie Struthers
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. The walled garden is full of magnificent rhododendrons, a collection of rare and unusual shrubs and plants, the clock garden with its cutting flowers, crevice garden and borders of various grasses to create a coastal theme. There are champion trees, notably the mightiest conifer in Europe.
An Cala – Isle of Seil, hosted by Mrs Sheila Downie
A wonderful example of a 1930s garden. An Cala is a spectacular and very pretty garden with streams, waterfall, ponds, and many herbaceous plants. Lots of rhododendrons, azaleas and cherry trees for spring interest. Archive material of Thomas Mawson’s design has recently been found and is available to view.
Day 2 : Tue 7th May
Kames Bay by Kilmelford, hosted by Stuart and Shelagh Cannon
Kames Bay Garden has evolved from two acres of scrub and bracken on an exposed lochside hill into a natural, almost wild garden spread over 13 acres, which blends into the contours of the coastal landscape. With ponds and woodland walks, with views over loch Melfort and the island out to the west. The garden is full of spring colour with over 100 rhododendrons and azaleas.
Barochreal, Kilninver, hosted by Nigel and Antonette Mitchell
A young garden full of interesting planting including banks of rhododendrons and azaleas, burns, water features, pond and walled rose gardens. Glasshouses and Beehives with Bee shelter. Maintained walks to view- points across the bay.
Day 3 : Wed 8th May
Kilchoan Estate Gardens by Kilmelford, hosted by Head Gardener Luke Senior
Head gardener Luke will meet us and give us a guided tour round the woodland gardens and then more formal gardens around the house.
Stronachuillin, hosted by Mary Broadfoot
A mixture of old and new in this garden, Mary regularly posts some very interesting pictures on social media. Last time we visited this garden, we were able to view the planting records from its beginnings. Also, lots of interesting records of the garden and letters written by Kingdom Ward in 1959 talking of another plant hunting expedition.
Day 4 : Thu 9th May
Achamore Gardens, Gigha, hosted by Head Gardener Bryony White
Created by Sir James Horlicks with the assistance of gardener Kitty Lloyd Jones in 1944 Achamore Gardens is the home of Horlick’s renowned rhododendrons and camellia collection which is flourishing in Gigha’s warm microclimate, the 54-acre gardens host many notable and unusual plants and trees from around the world. Woodland walks with rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, tree ferns, hydrangeas and fuchsias complement the walled gardens tender exotics.
Stonefield Castle Hotel
A wander round Stonefield Castle Gardens at your leisure.
Day 5 : Fri 10th May
Baravalla Gardens, hosted by Matt Heasman
View the spectacular setting and see the range of plants growing in this 20-acre woodland by the sea. Coffee and biscuits will be provided in the garden during the visit.
Some of us may have visited Baravalla before but always plenty to see any time of year.
Please remember Baravalla is a wild garden, it often rains in Argyll, so good footwear and waterproofs is essential.
Author : Based on original text by Willie Campbell
Post compiled by Grant Moir