Last week we visited Glendoick House Gardens where there was a spectacular display of rhododendrons and azaleas, many of which were collected and bred by the Cox family, as well as a wide variety of perennials including beautiful, large meconopsis and impressive smilacina racemosa. After lunch at the garden centre cafe we descended on the plants sales area, filling the boot of the coach with our plant purchases.
Next stop was Kirkton Craig garden, in Abernyte, a charming 3/4acre walled garden whose 150ft high brick walls provide shelter for many colourful climbers such as Clematis Montana and Wisteria as well as plants that are less hardy in Eastern Scotland including Carpinteria California, Callistemon and Crinodendron Hookerianum.
Finally to Latch House, a modern turreted building whose one plus acre garden flows round the house with lawns and mixed beds of trees, shrubs and perennials. There are interesting trees such as Betula Jacquemontii (Himalayan Birch ), Prunus Serrula with its coppery brown bark and seven species of rowan; areas filled with varieties of poppies and trillium; and a sunken gravel area with a shelved pond that is frequented by frogs and birds alike. We enjoyed a welcome cuppa here before heading back to Helensburgh.
A really great day out. Thank you to Margaret who organised the day and to our patient, long-suffering driver Ian!
