Inveraray Castle Gardens

Inveraray Castle garden is well worth a visit, regardless of the time year. The daffodils around Easter cover the policies with various shades of yellow, replaced by the vibrant reds, pinks and whites of the rhododendrons and azaleas that the West Highlands are famous for, which flower in the garden from April until June.

During the month of May you can feast your eyes on the heavenly displays of bluebells in the private garden and explore the ancient woodland walks where these pretty little “fairy” flowers create a spectacular carpet of dramatic colour and delicate fragrance. The borders on each side of the central path, beyond the lawns, are known as the 'Flag-Borders' - the paths having been laid out in the shape of Scotland's National flag, the St. Andrew's Cross. These borders, outstanding in the spring with beautiful Prunus 'Ukon' and Prunus subhirtella, are underplanted with an interesting mixture of Rhododendrons, Eucrypyias, various shrubs and herbaceous plants, giving all year round interest.

Conifers also grow well in the high rainfall climate of Argyll, as can be seen by the fine specimens such as Cedrus Deodars, Sequoiadendron Wellingtonia, Cryptomeria Japonica and Taxus Baccata. Other highlights are the heathers, roses and varied trees that are spectacular later in the summer and autumn

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