Gardens Of Scotland

Scotland's Garden Scheme. Each year some 350 Scottish gardens, most of them privately owned, open their gates to the public under the banner of Scotland's Gardens Scheme. Founded in 1931, it is an independent charity and the money raised from garden visitors supports two main beneficiaries, the Queen's Nursing Institute (Scotland) and the Gardens Fund of NTS. Information form Scotland's Gardens Scheme, 22 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2BB Tel: 0131 229 1870.

Since 1945, when it acquired its first garden at Culzean Castle, the National Trust for Scotland has become the country's largest garden owner. Its properties include 35 major gardens together with another thirty that form part of other properties acquired for their architectural, historical or landscape importance. The gardens are notable for their range and variety, representing the full history of Scottish gardening, from the late medieval at Culross Palace, through the 18th-century picturesque at Culzean Castle and Victorian formality at The House of Duns to 20th-century plant collections at Brodrick and Inverewe. There are also many charming and intimate small gardens associated with notable Trust properties. Francesca Greenoak's scholarly but easily accessible text describes each garden in detail and discusses its design and plantings, its history, setting and historical and cultural connections. The Trust's policy for the restoration and conservation opf each garden are also explained. Full directions for getting there are provided together with information on access and opening times. The Gardens of the National Trust for Scotland.