This part of Scotland is surrounded on three sides by the sea, and the
influence of the Gulf Stream provides a micro climate not found in many
other parts of the United Kingdom.
The gardens are extensively landscaped with terraces, mounds and
avenues, all of which were created by men and horses, and extend to
more than 30 hectares.
I hope you will enjoy using this site, and that you will find the
gardens interesting. You may even wish to plan a visit to the gardens
when you are next in the South West of Scotland.
Please visit our shop where you will find a selection of plants that we
would like to recommend with guidance for planting. Many of the plants
on offer have been grown by us from seed collected in the garden, and
possibly from stock brought to this country over one hundred years ago.
The Gardens at Castle Kennedy are changing throughout the seasons. A
guidebook is available in the shop, which contains suggested routes to
follow, but the gardens are also fantastic to just wander in for up to
a day!
The gardens are normally open from Easter until the end of September,
and will have something exciting to see in all months of the year.
It
could be the impressive display of Rhododendrons and azalias in the
spring, or the huge embothrium, or Chilean fire tree, covered in bright
red flowers in later months. This is followed by the Eucrythias, and
yet more rhododendrons, not forgetting the annual display of colour in
the walled garden. Finally in the autumn, the changing colours of the
leaves with the beautiful backdrop of Larch on the hills, and mature
Beech in the gardens, altogether make a visit to the gardens a truly
memorable experience.
