benmore Gardens

Photo: Rachel Keenan Photography

This time of year is perfect for an amble through the profusion of owers, foliage through the profusion of owers, foliage and fragrance at Benmore Botanic Garden. and fragrance at Benmore Botanic Garden.

Located at the gateway to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Benmore’s renowned rhododendrons bloom all the way through August. But the star of July’s show is eucryphias, with splashes of white fountains among the lush greenery. Desfontaines also take centre stage in mid-summer with an abundance of blooms against the backdrop of heather-covered mountains. Summer fl owering trees and shrubs burst into a riot of colour and fragrance – sweet-smelling yellow jasmimum humile, New Zealand hoherias, American snowdrop, Oriental snowbells and the striking epaulette tree, festooned in perfumed white bells. With more than 3,000 plants of around 300 species, Benmore is famous for its rhododendron collection. However, its west coast setting also makes the garden particularly suitable for collections from Bhutan, Chile, Japan and Tasmania. On sunny days in spring, magnolias are spectacular pink and white against blue sky between the Viewpoint and Golden Gates Avenue. Colour is not just for blossom. Rhododendron barbatum produces

plum-coloured fl aking bark and Rhododendron thomsonii a striking gold and sea-green peeling bark and vivid red fl owers. Young shoots bring sharp freshness to evergreens. Trossachs National Park, Benmore’s renowned rhodo- Visit the Tas manian Ridge and look out for a shock dendrons bloom all the way through August. But the of brilliant new leaves of red and bronze produced by star of July’s show is eucryph- the myrtle beech, Nothofagus ias, with splashes of white cunninghamii. Th e air will be fountains among the lush fragrant with Pieris japonica greenery. Desfontaines also at this time of year. Don’t miss take centre stage in mid-sum- a visit to the garden’s restored mer with an abundance of Victorian Fernery. Th e Fernery blooms against the backdrop of heather-covered mountains. Summer fl owering trees and shrubs burst into a riot of colour and fragrance – was built in the 1870s at a time when Britain was gripped by “fernmania”. With the restoration of the fernery, a part of Benmore’s history has been brought back to life. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and life-cycles of ferns and to admire their intricate and diverse beauty. Make sure you fi nd the time to visit our magnifi cent grade-A listed Golden Gates. Benmore is suitable for all ages and is a great day out for the family. Keep an eye out for the Garden’s resident red squirrels who are likely to make an appearance. Admission costs adult £7.50; Concession £6.75; under 16s and essential carers go free. Prices include a small donation to the Garden.