GLENDOICK GARDEN, Glencarse, Perthshire, 01738 860640, www.glendoick.com The Cox family have collected, bred and grown rhododendrons here for three generations.
In the tradition of the great plant hunters they collected species, many new to cultivation, in China and the Himalayas. It will not be a surprise to learn that the garden, nursery and woodland garden are spectacular at this time of year.
CASTLE
OF MEY, Thurso, Caithness, 01847851 473 www.castleofmey.org.uk Almost as far north as you can travel on the mainland sits the home of the late Queen Mother. It is hard to garden so far north and a great deal of shelter is required to reduce the salt spray from the Pentland Firth and wind damage. The 15ft-high great wall of Mey helps, as do the substantial shelter belts of 250-year-old sycamore sculpted by the north wind. In the walled garden, traditional field markers – slabs of Caithness stone standing on edge in the ground – combine with hedges of berberis, flowering currant, copper beech and elderberry to further protect the plants, including the fruit and vegetables.
EARLSHALL, Leuchars, Fife, 01334 839205 www.gardensofscotland.orgA much-loved fortified house and garden with outstanding topiary and well-established gardens. Much of the yew originated in Edinburgh and was carted to Earlshall to create the topiary which is now the dominant feature of the garden. There is an abundance of fruit and fine ornamental features. This delightful garden is owned privately and is open under the Scotland's Gardens Scheme on 21 June and by appointment.
TOROSAY CASTLE, Mull, 01680 812421, www.torosay.comA fine Scottish baronial style castle with beautiful gardens, including a substantial water garden with masses of candelabra primulas and dramatic plantings of gunnera manicata. An avenue of statues in the Italian style illustrating country pursuits adds additional grace to the garden. The plants are fairly exotic but thrive because of the warmth from the Gulf Stream.
• Brian Sutherland of Green Alba Enterprises leads tours to Scotland's gardens. Tours are tailored to meet individual or group needs. 0141 633 2228.
