Cambo Gardensm Kingsbarns, St Andrews KY16 8QD
Year Round Delights
For many years Cambo has been recognised as one of Scotland’s most exciting gardens. Its traditional walled garden has been transformed by contemporary planting schemes using prairie species and perennials planted in deep blocks in the style originally devised by Dutch designer Piet Oudolf.
During the summer the colours and textures are magnificent, while in winter the skeletal outlines that are left to stand until early spring give the garden an entirely different atmosphere altogether.
From a dry garden filled with Verbena, Salvia and other Mediterranean plants to a decorative potager, a lilac walk that in late spring drips with fragrance, and climbing roses that romp enthusiastically into the surrounding trees, this is a garden that has been designed to delight visitors throughout the year.
That’s particularly true from February onwards, when the snowdrops that initially put Cambo on the horticultural map, begin to appear.
Great sheets of these flower across 70 acres of woodland floor and amongst the collection are many rare and highly specialised varieties, some so prized that they are grown in individual pots.
When at one point the woodlands were becoming overgrown with ivy, which was preventing the snowdrops from spreading, two pigs, Helen and Emma, were brought in to root it out. The results are one of the best winter displays to be found anywhere in Scotland.
Snowdrops are available for sale ‘in the green’ as the flowers start to go over and all kinds of snowdrop-related gifts and crafts are available in the shop, which sits alongside Cambo’s visitors centre and much-admired vegetarian cafe in a converted stables block.
There’s also an exhibition space and craft workshops which highlight the beauty and skill of traditional techniques.
Cambo is a favourite place with walkers thanks to its proximity to Fife’s Coastal Path and lots of paths lead through the woodlands and estate, with one following a burn down to the beach from where there are expansive views.It’s thanks to this dense woodland that Cambo is protected from damaging winds coming in from the North Sea
Cambo was established as a garden by Catherine Erskine and her family who have long lived at Cambo House but it is now run by a trust and, alongside a talented gardening team, volunteers also help with tasks around the estate.
Experience The Wonder
From Tuesday, 2 until Sunday, 7 January, the Wonder Festival at Cambo Gardens will celebrate nature and the outdoors at the darkest time of the year.
The Wonder festival is a celebration of nature and the outdoors in the darkest time of the year, connecting people in magical, shared experiences and the idea of ‘wonder’.
The core festival offer will be self-led walks with drop-in activities and arts installations around Cambo Walled Garden and woodland. There will be a silent disco or live music each afternoon and a late afternoon light installation from dusk at 3.30pm highlighting the natural winter features of the garden with spectacular projected light – moving grasses, the iconic waterfall and bridges and central weeping willow tree, orchard walk and glasshouses.
The key Wonder event will be on Saturday 6 January when East Neuk Festival will present ‘Burn’ – midwinter fire - a gathering of 120 stunning fire candles along Cambo burn with reflected glow and sound from the natural torrent that runs through Cambo Walled Garden.
Each day of the festival will feature an ‘adventure’ or ‘retreat’ theme with a programme of experiences that include family woodland adventures, experiments with art and nature, a day of Pilates and meditation and two days of immersion that will involve print and bookmaking.
There’s something for little ones too, with a Babes in the Wellbeing Woods session that will include baby sensory yoga.
Full details of what’s on are available from https://www.cambogardens.org.uk/whats-on/
The gardens are open daily, 10am - 4pm
Tickets : ££7.50/free (carers and under 16s)
Contact:Tel: 01333 451040
hello@cambogardens.org.uk
www.cambogardens.org.uk
Cambo is situated six miles south of St Andrews on the A917.
Paths within the gardens are wheelchair and buggy friendly. Maps and advice are available from staff about paths within the woodlands.
In association with Discover Scottish Gardens www.discoverscottishgardens.org
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