Scone Palace Gardens
Perth, PH2 6BD
Scone Palace lies in the heart of Perthshire and is surrounded by over 100 acres of glorious grounds filled with magnificent trees, which are under planted with pockets of gardens in a tranquil woodland setting.
One of the finest specimens is a sycamore tree which was planted by King James VI of Scotland 400 years ago – another link with Scone’s historic past as the Crowning Place of the Scottish Kings.
The floor below these splendid trees is the first to spring to life when snowdrops and daffodils welcome in the new season. These displays line the three walks which take you around the gardens and grounds where the highlight is the multitude of daffodils planted on the old Monks Playgreen. This is also home to the Murray Star Maze designed by the renowned Adrian Fisher where over 1000 beech and 1000 copper beech trees have been planted to create a maze with a unique tartan effect.
Under the canopies of the trees grow the Rhododendrons, which light up the gardens with a colourful, late spring display. Accompanied by Laburnum, Philadelphus, Weigelia, these are the perfect backdrop to the herbaceous perennials growing in the mixed borders of the Flower Garden.
Plant hunter David Douglas was born in Scone, and a specimen of his most famous introduction, ‘The Douglas Fir’, which was grown from seed collected by him, stands proudly in the grounds. A pavilion celebrating his work is also the start to ‘The Douglas Trail’, which leads around the grounds and highlights modern day cultivars of the trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs that are associated with this great man.
At the furthest point of the grounds is one of the finest collections of conifers growing in the Victorian Pinetum. Dawn Redwoods, Giant Redwoods, Cedars and Grand Firs stand majestically, while new plantings include the recent discovered ‘Wollemi Pine’.
At the end of a day exploring the grounds, visitors can pay a visit to the Palace coffee shop and sample some home-cooked fare made from produce grown in the Kitchen Garden.
Website: www.scone-palace.co.uk
Telephone: 01738 552300
Opening times: October open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm. Winter open: November – March Friday-Sunday only 10.00am – 4.00pm (exc. December 29th & 30th)
Admission costs: October – Adults 7.50, Concessions £6.50, Child £5.50, Family £25.00. Winter admission is free.
Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org
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