Explore some historic horticulture
Castle Kennedy Gardens
Castle Kennedy Gardens
Drumlanrig Castle Gardens
See some truly magnificent horticulture and visit some of Dumfries & Galloway’s most historic gardens.
Spectacular gardens complement the wonderful historic houses in Dumfries & Galloway so why not take some time to explore these memorable features?
Cally House, in Gatehouse of Fleet, was once the seat of the Murray-Usher family and the magnificent 2.7 acre surrounding walled garden was built in the 1770s to provide the house with fruit and vegetables. This tradition continued into the 19th century and at that time the garden boasted an impressive 100 acres of ‘pineapple pits’.
Today the garden houses a very different range of plants. Discover Cally Gardens’ rare grasses and perennials in a distinctive labelled collection of around 3,500 varieties. Take a look around the original greenhouses before exploring some of the forest trails in the surrounding ancient Cally Oak Woods.
Head to Drumlanrig Castle to find Britain’s oldest Douglas fir and the largest sycamore tree in the region.
Step back in time as you walk around sections of the 40 acre stunning Victorian Formal Garden dating back to the early 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Long Terrace Walk. Admire the neat hedgerows and enjoy the sweet smell of the heather adorning the rustic timber pavilions.
The grand Castle Kennedy Gardens are well worth a visit for many historic reasons. The gardens are not only home to a scheduled ancient monument and several Grade A-listed buildings, but also to a world-famous and important plant collection; it was in this garden where several plants which first introduced in the British Isles.
Take a wander round the gardens and admire the 16th century castle, which is set amongst two natural lochs. Spring sees the 75 acre area boast rhododendrons and azalias in the beautiful gardens, while later months see the Chilean fire tree covered in striking bright red flowers.
Adorn your own garden with pristine plants after a trip to some of the region’s garden centres. Draw inspiration from the beautiful displays then pick out plants and shrubs for your own project from their undercover plant area.
Many of them have beautiful display gardens of their own to explore for inspiration and tearooms to relax in after your purchases with some delicious home baking.
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