Dumfries & Galloway Gardens and Nurseries

in bloom 2009

visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 0845 22 55 121 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009

Naturally inspiring Contents

Garden lovers will be inspired by the range of beautifully diverse page gardens and specialist nurseries throughout our region. Map and Index of Gardens 4-5 Dumfries & Galloway is warmed by the Atlantic waters of the Gulf Stream, meaning that our temperatures are much warmer than our northern latitude Key to Symbols 6 suggests, and that, combined with our free draining and lime-free soil, Gardens & Nurseries 7-26 means that a diverse range of plants from all over the world flourish in the Public Transport Service - Route Index 26 warm ocean air. Our gardeners make the most of these ideal growing conditions, and Open Days 28-29 successions of imaginative gardeners have left behind a legacy of gardens Garden Events 30-31 of differing styles, which continues through our talented and inventive gardeners today. Tropical or formal gardens, secluded walled gardens or Garden Breaks 32-34 those with spectacular sea views; gardens giving glorious settings for Visitor Information Centres 35 castles, stately homes or historic houses – all will inspire your own horticultural endeavours. Keep an eye out for events and exhibitions in gardens across the region during your stay or ask about ’s Garden Scheme while you’re here. a b Many private gardens open their gates to visitors once a year for charity. Check pages 28-29 of this guide for further details and dates. As a special reminder of your holiday here, why not take home your own special piece of Dumfries & Galloway from one of the many and varied garden centres and nurseries stocking rare and unusual plants. Whichever gardens or nurseries you visit, you’re bound to leave blooming with ideas and inspired by expert advice! www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/gardens

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Glenwhan Garden Cover: ‘Dahlia Bishop of Llandaff’ a: Sculpture at NTS Threave Gardens, b: Logan Botanic Garden; c: & Gardens 2 visitscotland.com visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 3 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009

map + index of gardens

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1 Dunskey Gardens & Maze p7 7 Elmlea Plants p13 14 Threave Garden & Estate p20 DON’T MISS 2 Logan Botanic Gardens p8 8 Bayview Nursery p14 14 Threave Garden Plant Centre p21 For a great day out, 9 Galloway House Gardens p15 15 Drumlanrig Castle Gardens p22 3 Ardwell Gardens p9 look out for the fabulous 16 The Crichton p23 4 Castle Kennedy & Gardens p10 10 Cally Gardens & Nursery p16 17 Hetland Garden Nursery p24 castles and abbeys 5 Glenwhan Garden & p11 11 Elizabeth MacGregor’s p17 Nursery Nursery at Ellenbank 18 Craigieburn Garden p25 located near our 6 Galloway Plants & p12 12 Broughton House & Garden p18 19 Bellhouse Plants p26 beautiful gardens Claymoddie Garden 13 Buckland Plants p19

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Key to Symbols Dunskey Gardens & Maze Each entry has a range of symbols giving you extra “at a glance” useful information to help you plan your day. 1

k Tearoom/Café L Information in large print T Toilets available # Credit cards p Dogs allowed } Children’s licence p Guide dogs only % Group discount P Car parking adjacent V Vegetarian meals provided ı Coach parking adjacent V Vegan meals provided b Baby changing facilities © Green Tourism Business Scheme A Special play areas Gold Award ß ; Assisted wheelchair access Green Tourism Business Scheme Silver Award D Unassisted wheelchair access ∫ Green Tourism Business Scheme : Access for visitors with Bronze Award mobility difficulties Discover a charming and tranquil 18th century walled garden that ∂ Wheelchair accessible toilets National Trust attraction ß has been revitalised during the last 10 years, and is now home to fl Information in audio/induction loop Local bus route (* denotes a walk of up to one mile from the nearest bus stop.) over 1,000 different varieties of cultivated plants. View fruit and exotic flowers growing in the historic Mackenzie and Moncur a b 19th century glasshouses. Then wander through the developing woodland gardens with loch side views and rich native flora and fauna. Lose yourselves - or your children, in the Dunskey Maze, probably the first to be planted in south west Scotland. Choose from a broad selection of plant sales, all grown at Dunskey. Finally, c relax in the licensed tearoom with special murals or on its sunny terrace, with a selection of light lunches and delicious home baking. Tour groups/coach parties are welcome, as are evening visits with supper, preferably by prior arrangement. Location: One mile from on the B738 Address: Portpatrick, DG9 8TJ Contact: Tel: 01776 810905 Fax: 01776 810581 Web: www.dunskey.com E-mail: [email protected] Open: Easter-Oct, daily, 10am-5pm Snowdrops and sculptures, February – weekends only Admission: Adult £4, OAP £3.60, Family £10. Garden tour every Wednesday, 11.30am with gardener, usual admission charge applies. kTp Pıb;∂}% VVL# ß 367* a: Dunskey Walled Garden, b: Logan Botanic Garden; c: Poppies 6 visitscotland.com visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 7 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009

Logan Botanic Garden Ardwell Gardens

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At the south-western tip of Scotland lies Logan Botanic Garden, The gardens surround an 18th century unrivalled as the country’s most exotic garden. With a mild climate Country House (not open to the public), washed by the Gulf Stream, a remarkable collection of bizarre and with the formal layout round the house beautiful plants, especially from the Southern Hemisphere, flourish blending into the informality of woods and out-of-doors. shrubberies. Logan has many delightful features such as the colourful Walled Garden In the spring, daffodils provide a carpet of with its tree ferns, palms and borders and the contrasting Woodland colour. There are fine azaleas, camellias and Garden with its unworldly Gunnera Bog and collections of unusual trees rhododendrons, and a walled garden, and shrubs. There is also a Water Garden and a Terrace Garden. Visit, also, summer bedding and herbaceous borders. the Tasmanian Creek. Take a self-guided audio tour of the Garden and visit The walk round the largest pond the Discovery Centre for more information. (approximately half an hour) gives fine views over . Delicious home-cooking can also be sampled at the Salad Bar and a great range of appealing local crafts, gifts and a selection of Logan’s There is a good range of home grown plants for sale in the walled garden. best loved plants are available at The Botanics Shop.

Location: On B7065, 14 miles S of Stranraer in the Rhinns of Galloway Location: On A716, 10 miles south of Stranraer Address: , Stranraer DG9 9ND Address: Ardwell, By Stranraer DG9 9LY Contact: Tel: 01776 860231 Fax: 01776 860333 Contact: Tel: 01776 860227 Web: www.rbge.org.uk/logan E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01776 860288 Open: February – Sundays only. 1 Mar-31 Oct, daily. Open: 1 April-30 Sept, daily, 10am-5pm Mar & Oct 10am-5pm; Apr-Sept, 10am-6pm Admission: Adult £3, Child under 14 free, Concs £2 Admission: Adult £4.00, Concs £3.50, Child £1, Family £9 Owner: Mrs Terry Brewis and Mr Francis Brewis Owner: Part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

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Castle Kennedy & Gardens Glenwhan Garden & Tearoom

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Described as “one of the showplaces of Galloway”, these Gardens This 12 acre garden perched on an are located in truly stunning scenery between two large natural outcrop of the western seaboard started lochs, and extend to 75 acres of landscaped terraces, avenues and out of a barren south facing hillside. gardens. With the romantic ruined 16th Century Castle Kennedy Now 29 years later Glenwhan has emerged as a beautiful garden filled overlooking a walled garden at one end and Lochinch Castle at the with interesting collections of plants from all over the world, many of which other, these famous gardens are well worth visiting. are tender. The focus is around several lakes, with a backdrop of sea, Originally designed in 1730 by the 2nd Earl of Stair, who was Ambassador where the plants luxuriate in a variety of habitats. This combined with the to France, and greatly influenced by Versailles, the gardens are full of spectacular views over Luce Bay and the , turns Glenwhan adventure and history. Located close to the sea, the Gardens are influenced into a unique and lovely place where visitors fondly return year after year. by the Gulf Stream, and contain many fine specimens of trees, including Adjoining the garden, a 17 acre Wildflower Walk has recently opened Rhododendrons and Magnolias, a unique monkey puzzle avenue, a two-acre where over 120 species of recorded flowers, grasses and ferns may be circular lily pond as well as many tender exotic plants. discovered, thus allowing visitors to compare the native heathland to the Perfect for exploring, four walks of different lengths and interest have been garden as it now is. Red squirrels, wildfowl and many varieties of birds designed for visitors. There is a charming tea-room serving delicious cakes enjoy these surroundings. A variety of interesting sculptures with seats and light meals, a gift shop, plant centre and seasonal children’s activities. placed at strategic points may be discovered in the garden.

Location: Four miles east of Stranraer on A75 Location: One mile off A75 at Dunragit village Address: Castle Kennedy & Gardens, Rephad, Stranraer DG9 8RT Address: Dunragit, by Stranraer DG9 8PH Contact: Tel: 01776 702024/01581 400225 Fax: 01776 706248 Contact: Tel/Fax: 01581 400222 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.glenwhangardens.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk Open: 22 Mar-31 Oct, daily, 10am-5pm (Tearoom closes 30 Sept) Open: Weekends in Feb-Mar. Easter-30 Sept, daily, 10am-5pm. Admission: Adult £4.50, Concs/parties over 20, £3.50, Rest of year by appointment. Family (up to 3 children) £10, season ticket £12 Admission: Adult £4, Concs £3, Child £1, Family £10 Open free for RHS members, 1 Aug-31 Oct. Owner: The Earl & Countess of Stair Owner: Mrs Tessa Knott kTpPı∂#%B ß 430* /500* kTpPıbD∂%VV ß 430*

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All Galloway Plants’ nursery plants are We are a small family run nursery propagated from Claymoddie Garden’s specialising in herbaceous perennials and stock and great pride is taken in grasses. We offer a friendly and personal producing excellent quality and in advising customers on what service and are always happy to provide advice to our customers. plants will suit their garden’s particular needs. Although our nursery is small, we are continually expanding the range Claymoddie’s romantically landscaped garden contains a vast range of of our stock and we can always offer a wide selection of plants suitable meticulously positioned plants. These consist of old favourites and exotica for all conditions. We are confident that customers will find something of from the southern hemisphere and elsewhere, and their environment interest. Visitors are welcome to wander around our garden to see demonstrates the potential of both damp and dry shade, dappled or mature specimens of many of the plants we sell. otherwise, as well as sunny open spaces, banks and dells. There are quite Amongst the perennials we grow, there is always a good selection of a number of steps and changes in level but most of the garden can be campanulas, achilleas and geraniums, a wide choice of later flowering accessed easily. such as heleniums and a range of larger plants for customers with space. The garden opens from early spring to late autumn to show off the huge Our range of grasses reflects our own preferences but includes many variety of this all-seasons garden. larger and unusual cultivars together with a wide variety of choice smaller varieties.

Location: From Whithorn, go to Glasserton crossroads, turn left then Location: Turn off A75 at junction for Minnigaff and immediately turn first right, and follow signs. left onto B7079. Follow the road for 1.5 miles and turn right Address: Claymoddie, Whithorn DG8 8LX (signposted RSPB Bird Reserve) immediately before the Cree Contact: Tel/Fax: 01988 500422 Bridge. The nursery is on the left 200 yds after the Youth Hostel E-mail: [email protected] Address: Old Minnigaff, Newton Stewart DG8 6PX Open: 6 Mar-20 Sept, Fri, Sat & Sun 2-5pm Contact: Tel: 01671 402514 Web: www.elmleaplants.com (or by appointment all year round) E-mail: [email protected] Admission: £3, or £2 for parties of 6 or over. Open: Easter-mid Oct, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm Admission: Free p pı ß 415* /416* pP;# ß 415/430/500*

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Bayview Nursery Galloway House Gardens

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Situated in the old county town of , These historic gardens were created in 1740 by Lord Garlies, Scotland’s Book Town, Bayview Nursery is elder son of the 5th Earl of Galloway and are still maintained within the walled garden of the Wigtown House according to his original plans as informal pleasure grounds Hotel having spectacular views overlooking Wigtown Bay and where wild flowers and plants have their place beside more nature reserve. exotic cultivated species. Best in show and gold medal winner at the Galloway Garden festival, It is here where Captain Neil McEacharn learnt to garden, before Bayview Nursery has an extensive and eclectic range of plants. The vast moving to Lake Maggiore in Italy to create the great gardens of Villa majority of our range is grown on site with the remainder being locally Taranto. A beautiful Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrata) dates from sourced. Many are unusual and rarely available. Our aim is to give a his ownership. warm welcome to all customers providing the right plants for the right In early spring the gardens are bright with snowdrops and daffodils, place and cultivation information if required. followed by a display of rhododendrons, azaleas and many fine trees Thousands of plants are always in stock including alpines, perennials, and shrubs. Enjoy peaceful walks among the lovely old trees and shrubs, climbers, grasses, bamboos, ferns, exotics and a few trees flowering shrubs to the quiet seashore and sandy bay. including Acers and Eucalyptus. Bedding plants in season. Nice selection of Phormiums, Cordylines and tree ferns available. Location: Within the walled garden of the Wigtown House Hotel. Location: B7004 at Garlieston Address: 19 Bank St, Wigtown, DG8 9HR Address: Garlieston, Newton Stewart DG8 8HF Contact: Tel: 01988 402040 Contact: Tel/Fax: 01988 600680 Web: www.bayviewnursery.co.uk Web: www.gallowayhousegardens.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Open: Daily 9am – 5pm. Closed Christmas & New Year Open: All Year, 9am-5pm Admission: Free Admission: £2 per car + voluntary donations at box Owner: Galloway House Gardens Trust

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This 2.7 acre walled garden was built Classic cottage garden plants grown at Ellenbank are sent to keen in the 1770s to provide fruit and gardeners and public gardens all over the UK and abroad. Plants for vegetables for Cally House, former seat of the Murray-Usher family sale include a large collection of violas, old favourites and new and now a hotel. Robert Heron, Burns’ friend, wrote in 1792, varieties, some first raised on site. Other specialities include hardy “No expense has been spared to accommodate them to the stately geraniums, penstemons, campanulas, eryngiums, primulas and iris elegance of the house, and to the dignity and fortune of the along with hundreds of other delights and rarities. In addition to the proprietor. They contain greenhouses and hothouses, with all the sales area, the half acre formal garden, with its high curved wall variety of foreign herbs and fruits, which, in our climate, it is provides a showcase for plants in their mature form. necessary to cherish”. At its best from mid-summer, the scents and colours of this herbaceous Since 1987 the garden has been replanted with a unique labelled garden can be memorable. Other stock beds allow plants spreading collection of 3,500 varieties, especially rare perennials and grasses. A room for propagation, and for trials of promising newcomers. selection are available pot-grown in the sales area and by mail order. As a busy working nursery, not a garden centre, regular opening times There are old greenhouses, a bothy and forest trails in the Cally Oak are restricted. Woods which surround the garden.

Location: Take the Gatehouse road off A75 and turn left up the Location: A711 one mile north of town centre, opposite council Cally Place Hotel drive, following the signs to the gardens ‘Kirkcudbright’ sign Address: Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas DG7 2DJ Address: Ellenbank, Tongland Road, Kirkcudbright DG6 4UU Contact: Information Line: 01557 815029 Contact: Tel: 01557 330620 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.callygardens.co.uk Open: 25 Apr-6 Oct, Fri, Sat & Mon 10am-5pm Open: 11 Apr-27 Sept, Tues-Fri 2-5.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5.30pm Admission: Free Admission: Adult £2.50, under 16 free Owner: Elizabeth and Alasdair MacGregor Owner: Michael Wickenden TpPD ß 500* /501 P;# ß 501

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Broughton House & Garden Buckland Plants

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Cross the threshold of Broughton House and Buckland Plants is a small, friendly, family run nursery with a growing enter the world of Scottish artist E A Hornel, one of the ‘Glasgow Boys’. reputation for helpful advice and an exceptional range of desirable, Hornel created this secluded garden, which is a fascinating mix of hard to find bulbs and perennials. formal and relaxed. A visit to Japan in 1893/94 inspired Hornel to Visitors are welcome whether it is just to browse or to seek out some of develop part of Broughton House Garden in a Japanese style. the many choice plants we have available. If you are new to gardening, we Low clipped box hedges give a formal structure to the rest of the garden. are happy to help and will advise which plants will thrive in your particular Within this formality grows a profusion of colourful herbaceous plants, conditions. Even the most experienced and knowledgeable gardeners are trees and shrubs. Many of Hornel’s plants still exist to be admired, the sure to find something new. gnarled wisterias, magnificent hydrangea on the wall of the gallery, and a The large and ever growing range of border and woodland perennials are beautiful magnolia. Hornel’s interest in stone ornaments is evident through described in our mail order catalogue. We propagate our stock on site and this his collection of sundials, querns and troughs. allows us to sell plants at a fraction of the usual garden centre prices. Towards the end of the garden there is a small greenhouse with an Interests include woodland and shade loving plants, particularly interesting collection of vintage pelargoniums. Step outside the anemones, erythroniums, hellebores, lilies, meconopsis, primulas and greenhouse and admire the stunning views over the River Dee. trilliums.

Location: Off A711/A755 in Kirkcudbright Location: 3 miles NE of Kirkcudbright on the B727 Kirkcudbright- Address: 12 High Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4JX Gelston road (past the Wildlife Park). Turn right at sign Contact: Tel/Fax: 0844 493 2246 Web: www.nts.org.uk for Whinnieliggate and the nursery is 100m on the left E-mail: [email protected] Address: Whinnieliggate, Kirkcudbright DG6 4XP Open: Garden: 1 Feb-31 Mar, Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm Contact: Tel/Fax: 01557 331323 House & Garden: 1 Apr-31 Oct, Thurs-Mon, 12-5pm. Web: www.bucklandplants.co.uk Closed Tues & Wed. 1 July-31 Aug, open daily 12-5pm Open: 1 Mar-30 Oct, Thurs-Sun, 10am-5pm & Bank Holidays Admission: NTS/NTMembers Free, Adult £5, Concs £4.50, Family £15 Admission: Free Owner: Rob and Dina Asbridge Tb;∂# ß 501/502/505 pPı ;#

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Threave Garden, House & Estate Threave Garden Plant Centre

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Threave’s spectacular gardens have been created over the years There’s something for everyone at The National Trust for Scotland’s by students of The National Trust for Scotland’s School of Practical Plant Centre at Threave Garden. Whether you’re a beginner looking Gardening. The gardens are constantly evolving to suit the needs for a splash of colour or an expert seeking the unusual, we cater of the school, but they’re open all year giving interest from season for all interests. to season. Enjoy a walk around the magnificent gardens then have a look in the In spring the gardens are carpeted with over 200 varieties of daffodil Plant Centre for a memento of your visit. complementing the spring-flowering shrubs and trees. Later in the year The varied selection of plants grown at Threave are displayed under the you can admire succulent fruit and vegetables in the walled garden ‘Threave Collection’ banner, and each plant is labelled ‘Grown in our and glasshouses. If that whets your appetite, there’s also a well stocked Gardens’. Many of our other products are sourced locally or from the restaurant. Elsewhere you can enjoy the rock garden, rose garden, best small Scottish nurseries. heathers, conifers and herbaceous perennials. The Trust is a charity so if you visit Threave you’ll be helping us to look after it for future generations to enjoy.

Open: House: 1 Apr-31 Oct, Wed, Thur, Fri & Sun, 11am-3.30pm Location: Off A75, one mile west of Castle Douglas (visit by guided tour only – advisable to book in advance) Address: Castle Douglas DG7 1RX Estate: all year, daily Contact: Tel: 0844 493 2245 Garden, Visitor & Countryside Centres, Restaurant, E-mail: [email protected] Shop, Plant Centre and Glasshouses: 1 Feb-23 Dec, Web: www.nts.org.uk daily 10am-5pm Admission: House & Garden: Adult £10.50, Concs £7.50, Family £26, NTS members free. Garden: Separate price available for entry to garden only. Plant Centre: Free. kTp Pıb;∂fl#} VV ß 501*

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Drumlanrig Castle Gardens The Crichton, Dumfries

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Drumlanrig Castle Gardens date Extending to over 100 acres this mature landscaped parkland was back to the time of William originally created as part of patient therapy at the Crichton Royal Douglas the 1st Duke of Queensberry. Work began on the gardens Hospital and now home to University Campus, a thriving Business around 1689 creating a grand formal terrace garden. The garden Park, Hotel and Easterbrook Hall conference centre. today has undergone major restoration in recent years with the Not to be missed are the massive Rock Gardens and the Arboretum newly restored Victorian Greenhouse, rock garden, bog garden, established in the 1920s featuring a number of unusual plants. Look out vegetable garden and plant centre, selling a wide range of quality particularly for the Handkerchief trees and both the snake and paper plants, many of them raised in the gardens. bark maples. During spring, the air is filled with the scent of flowering azaleas making Enjoy a walk through the extensive grounds, complemented by the the walk through the wooded glades filled with bluebells, specimen trees many listed sandstone buildings including the magnificent Crichton and shrubs even more enjoyable. On your way you may pass one of the Memorial Church with fine views out over the Nith Estuary and the first Douglas Firs planted in the country, the tallest weeping Beech in the distant Lake District. British Isles or you may want to stop and rest for a while in one of the Light snacks, coffee and meals are served at the Aston Hotel and see recently restored Victorian Heather houses and take in the view. how they have blended contemporary architecture of the new bedroom block with the Victorian elegance of Johnston House.

Location: On A76, 4 miles north of Thornhill Location: Bankend Road (B725), one mile south of Dumfries Address: Thornhill, Dumfries DG3 4AQ Town Centre. Follow signs for Crichton. Contact: Tel: 01848 331555 Web: www.drumlanrig.com Address: Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4ZE Fax: 01848 331682 E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Tel: 01387 247544 Open: Gardens & Country Park: 10th Apr- 30th Sept, 10am-5pm Fax: 01387 257616 Castle: 10th Apr-31st Aug, 11am-4pm. Web: www.crichton.co.uk (Guided tours in operation). E-mail: [email protected] Admission: Please contact us for information Open: All year opening, grounds accessible 24 hours Owner: Buccleuch Heritage Trust Admission: Free

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Hetland Garden Nursery Craigieburn Garden

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The old orchard is reached by a 73ft wooden bridge, which takes This renowned garden lies hidden amid the you into a secluded woodland garden area where you can meander Moffat Hills. In its five acres you will find an to your heart’s content through display gardens and walkways extraordinary range of plants. amongst the products on display. Whether you are looking for The Craigieburn cascades down through a deep wooded gorge. The inspiration or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, the old climate and terrain are reminiscent of Nepal. Himalayan plants thrive in orchard cannot fail to delight you. luxuriant abundance. Blue poppies, giant lilies, squadrons of candelabra Enjoy our new undercover plant area, created to protect customers from primulas and bizarre arisaemas fill the glades. the elements whilst browsing amongst the excellent selection of plants, Elsewhere, human artifice is more evident. This is a new garden made trees and shrubs. on an old base. The beech trees and old hollies were planted in 1796. The nursery, which has now developed into a large garden centre and Two eighty yard double borders in a classic style are filled with an eclectic tearoom, specialises in hardy plants and prides itself on being a true plant range of bulbs, herbaceous plants and shrubs. centre. Plants are sourced from all over the UK and are also hand picked It is a highly personal garden, overflowing with plants that Janet from nurseries in Tuscany. Wheatcroft and gardener Datenji Sherpa prize. Every year they propagate The tearoom offers home made soup. Light lunches, snacks and home for the garden, and in the little nursery the same highly desirable plants baking. and seeds are for sale.

Location: Off A75 at Carrutherstown, 9 miles east of Dumfries. Location: Take exit 15 from M74, 2.5 miles past Moffat on A708 Address: Carrutherstown, Dumfries DG1 4JX Address: Craigieburn House, by Moffat DG10 9LF Contact: Tel: 01387 840632 E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Tel: 01683 221250 Web: www.hetlandnursery.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.craigieburn.com Open: April - June, Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Open: 1 April-30 Oct, Tues-Sun & all Public Holidays, Tearoom 10am-5pm. July-March, Mon-Sun 9am-6pm 10.30am-6pm Tearoom 10am-5pm To visit at other times, please call 01683 221250 Admission: Free Admission: Adult £2.50, child under 12 free Owner: David Wilson Owner: Janes Wheatcroft TbPı#k∂%pV ß 385 T,p$ ß 114*

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Bellhouse Plants Getting here… 19 Small friendly nursery, beautifully located in the Annandale valley, specialising in herbaceous perennials This is one of the easiest parts of Scotland to reach. and shrubs. Doreen propagates from The M6 and M74 run through the region. Coach stock grown in her 3 acre garden, which visitors are welcome to browse. and rail connections are straightforward, Glasgow and Prestwick international airports are just over Location: One mile west of Lockerbie. Unclassified road off B7076, an hour away, and in the west ferries from signposted Muirhead then Johnsfield. Northern Ireland arrive at Stranraer and . Address: Double D, Johnsfield, Nr Lockerbie DG11 1SS Contact: Tel/Fax: 01576 204323 E-mail: [email protected] Open: March-Oct. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (Please ring) Admission: Free Owner: Doreen Scott Tp Pı

Public transport services Route Index Each garden listing within this guide notes the most appropriate bus route number. Where there may be a short walk (of up to one mile) from the nearest bus stop a * is shown. Please let the driver know which attraction you are visiting, so you can be dropped off at the nearest point. Look out for the destinations below on the front of the bus. Service Route D5 Dumfries - Crichton/Hospital Day Discovery 114 Dumfries - Moffat 202 Dumfries - Moniaive Ticket 246 Dumfries - Cumnock Provides unlimited 367 Stranraer - Portpatrick travel by bus 372 Dumfries - Rockcliffe - Dalbeattie throughout 382 Moffat - Carlisle Dumfries & Galloway 385 Dumfries - Carrutherstown - Annan 407 Stranraer - for one day. 415 Newton Stewart - The Machars Adult £5, Child £2, 416 Newton Stewart - Whithorn - Stranraer Family £10 430 Newton Stewart - Stranraer Buy your ticket 500 Dumfries - Stranraer on the Bus. For further travel information contact one of our 501 Dumfries - Kirkcudbright VisitScotland Information Centres. 502 Dumfries - Kirkcudbright 503 Dumfries - Castle Douglas Contact details on page 35. 505 Dumfries - Kirkcudbright ß 26 visitscotland.com visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 27 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009

Scotland’s Garden Scheme charity open days Many gardens open each year for charity through “Scotland’s Garden Garden Date Time Scheme”, a registered charity created in 1931 which raises funds for Broughton House Garden, Kirkcudbright 7/8 Feb 11am - 4pm Walton Park, Castle Douglas 26 April 2 - 5pm other worthy charities by facilitating the opening of these interesting and Logan House Gardens, Port Logan 3 May 9am - 6pm beautiful gardens to the public. Portrack House, Holywood 3 May 12 - 5pm Some are privately owned and this is the only opportunity to see them Smithy Hill Cottage, , Stranraer 9/10 May 10am - 5pm Dalswinton House, Auldgirth 10 May 2 – 5pm as they are normally inaccessible to the public at other times. Stockarton, Kirkcudbright 10 May 2 – 5pm The following is a list of gardens in Dumfries & Townhead of Glencairn, Kirkland, Moniaive 17 May 2 - 5pm Galloway with their opening dates. Waterside, Crossmichael 17 May 2 - 5pm (Joint with 19 Rhonepark Crescent) Further information is available from the scheme Corsock House, Castle Douglas 24 May 2 - 5pm handbook “Gardens of Scotland”, available from Dabton, Thornhill 24 May 2 - 5pm VisitScotland Information Centres, or the website Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan 24 May 10am - 6pm Cowhill Tower, Holywood 31 May 2 - 5pm www.gardensofscotland.org Westerhall, Bentpath, Langholm 31 May 2 - 5pm Smithy Hill Cottage, Leswalt , Stranraer 6/7 June 10am - 5pm Cally Gardens, Gatehouse of Fleet 7 June 10am - 5.30pm Glenae, Amisfield 7 June 2 - 5pm a b Arndarroch, St John's Town of Dalry 14 June 2 - 5pm Dunesslin, Dunscore 14 June 2 - 5pm Castle Kennedy & Gardens, Stranraer 21 June 10am - 5pm Grovehill House, Burnhead, Thornhill 21 June 2 - 5pm The Old Mill, Keir Mill, Thornhill 21 June 2 - 5pm Threave Garden,Castle Douglas 21 June 9.30am - 5.30pm Ironmacannie Mill, Balmaclellan 28 June 2 - 5pm (Joint opening with Tormoulin) Broughton House Garden, Kirkcudbright 5 July 12 - 5pm Skairfield, Hightae 12 July 2 - 5pm Southwick House, Southwick 12 July 2 - 5pm Woodfall Gardens, Glasserton 19 July 2 - 5.30pm Crofts, Kirkpatrick Durham 23 August 2 - 5pm Cally Gardens, Gatehouse of Fleet 30 August 10am - 5.30pm Arndarroch, St John's Town of Dalry 6 September 2 - 5pm Berscar House, Closeburn 20 September 2 - 5pm Gardens Open by Arrangement Garden Telephone Open c Arndarroch, St John’s Town of Dalry 01644 460640 June -Sept Barnhourie Mill, Colvend 01387 780269 May-Oct Carleton Croft, Borgue 01557 870447 July-Aug Corsock House, Castle Douglas 01644 440250 Apr-June (and for Autumn colours) Danevale Park, Crossmichael 01556 670223 open by request Grovehill House, Burnhead, Thornhill 01848 331637 open by request Smithy Hill Cottage, Leswalt , Stranraer 01776 870662 open by request Woodfall Gardens, Glasserton 01988 500692 May-Aug a: Broughton House & Garden, b: Exotic Logan Botanic Garden; c: Glenwhan Garden 28 visitscotland.com visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 29 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009

Garden events

Scottish Snowdrop Festival 1 Feb - 16 March 2009 New Abbey Garden Safari Sunday 19th July 2009 Wander through carpets of enchanting snowdrops in some of our New Abbey, Nr Dumfries 2 - 6pm inspiring gardens and woodlands, and let the beauty of these delicate Twelve gardens in and around the village of New Abbey open their gates flowers in such stunning surroundings relax you. For a list of to the public in aid of New Abbey Church and Christian Aid. Tickets and participating gardens visit www.visitscotland.com/snowdrops maps are available from the Village Hall, where you can enjoy tea and delicious home baking, and browse the plants stall. Parking is available Kirkcudbright Spring Garden Festival Sunday 3rd May 2009 beside the historic Sweetheart Abbey. Harbour Square, Kirkcudbright 10am - 3pm For further information, contact Moira Aitken - 01387 850268 The 4th annual garden festival, with around a dozen local nurseries on hand to provide a wealth of expert advice and a large selection of Logan Plant Fair Sunday 23rd August 2009 perennials, shrubs and unusual plants for sale. Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan 10.30am - 3pm [email protected] www.summerfestivities.com Logan hosts a plant fair of Dumfries & Galloway’s finest Gardens and Nurseries. This is the ideal opportunity to purchase unusual plants that Castle Kennedy Plant Fair Sunday 24th May 2009 are rarely available to the public. Why not make a day of it and make a Castle Kennedy & Gardens, Rephad, Stranraer 10am - 3pm combined visit to the Botanic Garden and Plant Fair. Dumfries & Galloway’s finest Gardens and Nurseries will be on hand to www.rbge.org.uk/logan give you an opportunity to buy some of the huge range of wonderful plants, including some rare varieties, grown by the specialist nurseries of Homecoming Scotland 2009 the region and seek advice from the growers. celebrates the 250th anniversary of the www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk birth of Robert Burns, our national poet, Threave Plant Fair Sunday 28th June 2009 with a spectacular year-long programme Threave Garden, Castle Douglas 10am - 3pm of inspirational events across the country. Whether you're a beginner looking for a splash of colour or an expert Dumfries & Galloway is especially proud seeking exotic or unusual plants, gardeners from the diverse range of to be part of these celebrations as Burns spent the last years of his nurseries and gardens of the region will be on hand to help you select life in the region, and wrote many of his finest works here. choice plants from the wide range on display. Make sure you leave We’re also celebrating some of Scotland’s great contributions to enough time to take a wander round the beautiful Threave Garden too. the world: golf, whisky, great minds and innovations and Scotland’s www.nts.org.uk rich culture and heritage. We celebrate Scotland’s most famous Garden and Country Fair Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th July 2009 plant collectors at Logan Botanic Garden on 12th May. So, whether The Carse, Tongland Bridge, Kirkcudbright 10am - 4pm you're a Scot, of Scottish descent, or simply love Scotland, you're The majority of nurserymen from across Dumfries & Galloway, as well as invited! Drop into one of our VisitScotland Information Centres from further afield will be offering a wide range of garden plants for sale. for your free copy of our events guide or visit Come along and see the range of craft and jewellery displays, garden www.homecomingscotland2009.com to find out more about gates and wrought iron work, country clothing, local produce, and much our special Homecoming events. more. Entertainment on both days includes the South West Sound Roadshow and a demonstration by The Drakes of Hazard, a sheepdog and The Dumfries & Galloway Association of Gardens & Nurseries duck display team. organise a series of Plant Fairs throughout the summer. [email protected] www.summerfestivities.com Please visit www.scotlands-garden.org.uk or more details.

30 visitscotland.com visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 31 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009

★★★★ D5 Cally Palace Hotel near Gatehouse of Fleet HOTEL Rooms: 3S, 33D/T, 9F GATEHOUSE OF FLEET DG7 2DL Local accommodation (56ES) t: 01557 814341 f: 01557 814522 Two night garden breaks e: [email protected] Hotels, Inns, Guest Houses and B&Bs from £100 pppn D,B&B w: www.callypalace.co.uk including entry to one This elegant Georgian mansion offers friendly service, garden each day. excellent cuisine and extensive facilities, with beautiful Open: Feb-Dec gardens, scenery and walks on your doorstep.

★★★ ★★★ E4 Kings Arms Hotel Castle Douglas Kirroughtree House near Newton Stewart COUNTRY INN C4 HOUSE HOTEL Rooms: 2S, 2D, 4T, 2F (9ES, 31-33 St Andrew Street, CASTLE DOUGLAS DG7 1EL Rooms: 2S, 15D/T (17ES) NEWTON STEWART DG8 6AN t: 01556 502626 f: 01556 502097 t: 01671 402141 f: 01671 402425 1PF) Two night garden breaks Special rates for e: [email protected] e: [email protected] w: www.galloway-golf.co.uk from £113 pppn D,B&B w: www.kirroughtreehouse.co.uk 2 nights DB&B including entry to one Ideal base to explore Galloway’s gardens with Threave nearby. garden each day. Friendly, intimate, country house with delicate Friendly service, private car park, excellent bar meals and mouth-watering cuisine. Set in 8 acres of gardens Open: Jan-Dec the ‘Courtyard Restaurant’ overlooking the vine and magnolia. Open: Feb-Dec with many deluxe rooms offering outstanding views. ★★★ ★★★ near Castle Douglas COUNTRY Fernhill Hotel Portpatrick E6 Balcary Bay Hotel HOUSE HOTEL A5 HOTEL Rooms: 3S, 8D, 8T, 1F (20PF) Balcary Bay Hotel, Shore Road, AUCHENCAIRN Rooms: 3S, 33D/T (36ES) PORTPATRICK DG9 8TD Castle Douglas DG7 1QZ w: www.balcary-bay-hotel.co.uk t: 01776 810220 f: 01776 810596 2 Night Breaks from Two night garden breaks t: 01556 640217 f: 01556 640272 e: [email protected] £71 pppn, DB&B from £79 pppn D,B&B e: [email protected] w: www.fernhillhotel.co.uk 4 Night Breaks from including entry to one Family run hotel situated in a magnificent and peaceful £67 pppn DB&B garden each day. Fernhill enjoys breathtaking views over the village and Other prices on request. setting on the shores of the bay. An ideal holiday hotel. harbour of Portpatrick. Well appointed comfortable Open: 30 Jan-30 Nov D Open: Feb-Dec rooms and friendly welcoming staff. : ★★★ ★★★★ Clonyard House Hotel near Dalbeattie COUNTRY A4 North West Castle Hotel Stranraer HOTEL E4 HOUSE HOTEL Rooms: 4D, 7T, 3F (14ES) Colvend, DALBEATTIE DG5 4QW Rooms: 3S, 67D/T, 2F STRANRAER DG9 8EH Stay two nights B&B, get t: 01556 630372 f: 01556 630422 (72ES) t: 01776 704413 f: 01776 702646 e: [email protected] the third night free if e: [email protected] Two night garden w: www.northwestcastle.co.uk mentioning this w: www.clonyardhotel.co.uk breaks from £70 pppn promotion. Excluding Situated within seven acres of attractive grounds. D,B&B including entry Family run hotel offering friendly hospitality with excellent cuisine, service and amenities, including bank holidays. Centrally placed to visit the many beautiful gardens to one garden each day. leisure centre. Special rates for over 60s. Open: Jan-Dec and nurseries in Galloway. : Open: Jan-Dec ★★★ ★★★ F4 Aston Hotel Dumfries HOTEL B4 East Challoch Farmhouse near Stranraer FARMHOUSE Rooms: 29D, 27T, Aston Hotel, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Rooms: 1S, 1D, 1T (3ES) Mrs J G Waugh, East Challoch Farmhouse 12EX, 3F DUMFRIES DG1 4ZZ w: www.astonhotels.co.uk 3 Night Break £87 DUNRAGIT, near Stranraer DG9 8PY 2 Night Break from t: 01387 272410 e: [email protected] B&B single room t: 01581 400391 £139 pppn Dinner, B&B Located on the Crichton Estate extending over 100 acres, 3 Night Break £72pp A warm friendly welcome awaits you in our spacious with entry to 3 gardens with 71 deluxe bedrooms, we offer traditional Scottish B&B double room quality farmhouse with views over Luce bay and close to (Drumlanrig, Logan & hospitality with interiors creating an atmosphere of nearby gardens. Threave) luxurious simplicity. ; Open: Jan-Dec ★★★ F4 Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club Dumfries HOTEL Rooms: 8S, 45D, 17T, 19F, Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club 2 Suites (91ES) English Street, DUMFRIES DG1 2DF t: 01387 254111 e: [email protected] It’s written in the stars… 2 night breaks from f: 01387 240288 w: www.cairndalehotel.co.uk £44.50pp DB&B. Popular 91 bedroom hotel located in the centre of VisitScotland advisors visit and assess the quality standards of all types of (£20 single supplement). Dumfries. The hotel has superb leisure facilities including Open: Jan-Dec heated pool and spa. Regular tourist accommodation and visitor attractions. Up to 50 areas are weekend entertainment. assessed from quality, comfort and cleanliness to welcome, ambience, Key to Symbols: Eat Scotland - quality food award: Member of Cyclists, Walkers & Golfers Schemes: service and customer care. The awards range from 1-5 stars, so wherever Disabled Access Award: Category 1 - D: Category 2 - ;: Category 3 - & you go we’ll make sure you know the standard to expect. Green Tourism Award:

32 visitscotland.com visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 33 Dumfries & Galloway in Bloom 2009

Local accommodation Self Catering

★★–★★★★ Rusko Holidays near Gatehouse of Fleet SELF D5 CATERING £225-£1329 per week Beverley Vaux, Rusko Holidays, Rusko Sleeps 2-12 Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas DG7 2BS 3 night low season t: 01557 814215 e: [email protected] getaway break from w: www.ruskoholidays.co.uk £135 for 2 people SC Set amid stunning Scottish scenery. Ideally situated for exploring the many specialist $ & Open: Jan-Dec nurseries and glorious gardens of Galloway. ★★★ Glenlee Holiday Houses near New Galloway SELF D3 CATERING Sleeps 2-7 Glenlee Holiday Houses, New Galloway Special short break Castle Douglas DG7 3SF rates, tailor made to t: 01644 430212 e: [email protected] your requirements. f: 01644 430340 w: www.glenlee-holidays.co.uk Five charming cottages round a central courtyard Open: Mar-Dec in a trainquil woodland setting. Magnificent trees and waterfalls. Open hearths. Pets welcome. ★★★★ SELF A5 Culmore Bridge Cottages near Stranraer CATERING Sleeps 6 Culmore Bridge Cottages, From £350 per week Stranraer DG9 9DX inclusive of heating, t/f: 01776 830539 e: [email protected] electricity and linen. w: www.culmorebridge.co.uk Spacious comfortable four-star cottages in nine acres of Open: Jan-Dec peaceful woodland. Wheelchair friendly throughout. Near sea and beautiful beach. Six wonderful gardens nearby. D

★★★–★★★★ Harbour Row Holiday Cottages near Stranraer SELF A6 CATERING 3 Cottages + 2 Houses Mrs Sally Colman, Harbour Row 2 or 3 bedroom properties 10 Mill Street, Drummore DG9 9PS from £260 - £520 t: 01776 840631 Short breaks available w: www.harbourrow.co.uk subject to availability, see Harbour Row Cottages, Drummore are an ideal centre for website for latest offers. touring Logan Botanical Gardens, Ardwell Open: Jan-Dec Gardens and Mull of Galloway area. ★★★★ High Drummore Cottages near Stranraer SELF A6 CATERING Sleeps 6 High Drummore Cottages, High Drummore Short breaks Drummore, Stranraer DG9 9HL from £150 per unit. t: 01776 840326 e: [email protected] w: www.highdrummorecottages.co.uk Open: Jan-Dec For a complete get away from it all garden break, visit our cosy cottages where relaxation is on the agenda.

Key to Symbols: Eat Scotland - quality food award: Member of Cyclists, Walkers & Golfers Schemes: Disabled Access Award: Category 1 - D: Category 2 - ;: Category 3 - & Green Tourism Award:

Back Cover: ‘Mecanopsis x sheldonii’ 34 visitscotland.com visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk 35 Further information on Dumfries & Galloway For a comprehensive Visitor Guide or Accommodation Guide tel: 01387 253862 visit: any of our VisitScotland Information Centres, or www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk

in bloom 2009

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