Gardens of Argyll & Bute
THE WEST HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND

Date: Sunday 22nd - Thursday 26th April, 2012

Cost: €825 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

Argyll is a dramatic and varied county in the West Highlands of Scotland, within easy reach of Glasgow. The countryside ranges from wild mountain scenery to rugged and beautiful coastline and offshore islands. The gardens in this area have shelter as their main priority; many are walled but they also have the advantage of the moist westerly airstream, which has a moderating effect. This provides ideal growing conditions for plants from many temperate parts of the world – the Sino-Himalayan regions, South America and southern Australasia.

The gardens on this tour vary in size, style and maturity, dating from the 13th to the 20th century. They are spread throughout the mainland of Argyll, often in dramatic scenery, and to the Isle of Bute. This is a perfect time to experience the magic of the Highlands. The gardens are full of spring flowering species rhododendrons, magnolias and bulbs – and there any no midges!

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Sunday 22 April
Meet Iain in Dublin airport for our morning flight to Glasgow. Transfer by private coach to Glenarn Gardens, a private garden. The garden lies in a protected hollow with a sloping glen running its length and providing shelter for large-leafed and tender rhododendrons. A large rock garden built around the old quarry and natural rock outcrop provides a variety of habitats for smaller plants such as meconopsis, primulas, alpines and bulbs. Travelling along Loch Lomond, we stop en route for lunch. We are based in Inverary at the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa where we will dine as a group each evening during our stay. www.crerarhotels.com/ourhotels/loch_fyne_hotel/

Monday 23 April
Three gardens today and we begin with a visit to Ardmaddy Castle Garden, a narrow walled garden that sits behind the Victorian castle. Lines of formal box hold back the exuberant planting of shrubs and climbers. Spring flowering bulbs lead on to the water gardens, and water features add to the interest of this ever-evolving garden. An Cala is our second garden; it embodies the romantic heyday of the 1930's with its colourful borders, natural rockeries, meandering streams and quirky garden buildings. Finally onto Arduaine Garden, a moist mossy coastal garden, caressed by the North Atlantic drift. Twenty acres of outstanding woodland plants include not only a major rhododendron species collection with a leaning towards the more tender, but also all the usual spring-flowering favourites. A spectacular coastal and island panorama can be enjoyed from the easily accessible cliff top viewpoint.

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Tuesday 24 April
Coach transfers us to Inverary where we will have some free time to explore before our visit to the recently opened garden at Inverary Castle. Depart at noon for Benmore Botanic Garden, a satellite garden of the RBG, Edinburgh; a magnificent woodland garden set in the stunning Cowal Peninsula. The garden contains a wide collection of flowering trees and shrubs including over 300 species of rhododendron.

Wednesday 24 April
Today we go by coach and ferry to the Isle of Bute where we have a guided tour of Mount Stuart - Britain's most astounding Victorian gothic mansion. We also visit the gardens, designed upon an exquisite natural canvas provided by the island's lush habitat. There is also a Garden Centre, shop and restaurant. Before we leave the island we also visit Ascog Garden where an enchanting Victorian sunken fernery has been restored.

Thursday 25 April
Check out of hotel and travel to the renowned Crarae Gardens, now run by the National Trust, a spectacular woodland garden in a dramatic setting, showcasing a mind boggling display of spring flowering trees and shrubs. And for our last garden of this tour, we visit Gielston Gardens with its walled garden, woodland and kitchen garden. Depart from Glasgow and return to Dublin airport by 21.30.

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GUIDES: Iain MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, escorts this tour; he will be available at all times to help and advise you.

HOTEL: We are based in Inverary at the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa where we will dine as a group each evening during our stay. www.crerarhotels.com/ourhotels/loch_fyne_hotel/

Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)

Cost includes ...

• flights & ferry
• all private coach transfers
• guides
• garden entrance fees
• bed, breakfast & dinners in hotel.

COST: €825.00 per person sharing

Single Supplement: €75.00

Triple rooms available

Deposit: €250.00 – Payable to Bay Garden Tours.

All of our tours have a final booking date but as our numbers are limited, they tend to book out before those dates (particularly single rooms) so we would recommend early booking.

Itinerary subject to change