Abernethy Open Gardens

This takes place each early summer, on the last Sunday of June - so for 2011 that's the 26th. From 10am until 5pm everyone has the chance to have a nosey around other people's gardens!
There are around 10 gardens at different locations which are not necessarily the same ones each year. These are chosen for their position as well as the garden; whether they grow vegetables or not whether they have a greenhouse etc etc. This way particiupants get a varied day out.

For a small donation there are teas and coffees at various locations and for a small extra charge people can get lunch at Auchendean. All of the money raised goes to help a small local charity or group.

Other Gardens to Visit

The nearest gardens are Auchgourish Gardens, Scotland's "Millennium Gardens" with Japanese, Himalayan, Chinese and Winter areas. It's near Boat of Garten and they have sales of hardy, rare and unusual plants & trees.
Ballindalloch Castle garden is a gem, with wonderful parkland a super rockery and restored wall garden. Brodie Castle is set in parkland which has spectacular spring daffodil displays. Cawdor Castle has well established wall garden borders and very good woodland / riverside walks. Dochfour Gardens are worth a visit if you are near Loch Ness, and Glen Grant Distillery has restored their Victorian Gardens, so you could enjoy a walk before having a dram!
The Bught Floral Hall on the banks of the River Ness in inverness are well worth visiting.

Specialist Gardens

Blackhill Gardens near Elgin are spectacular in spring with huge rhododendron and azalea bushes full of blooms.

Gardens Further Afield

The gardens at Inverewe are world famous and well worth a special trip in their own right. Alternatively, in Sutherland the gardens at Dunrobin Castle could be seen at the same time as the castle.

Nurseries nearby

The nearest is the Speyside Heather Centre but you can also get specialist plants and wonderful cream cakes in the Potting Shed Tea room at Jack Drakes near Aviemore. Abriachan Nurseries are on Loch Ness-side and Ardfern Nurseries on the Beauly Firth (maybe combine this with seeing seals and dolphins?) are very good, as are Christies at Forres. Brin Herb Nursery on the south side of Loch Ness is the place for herbs.

Autumn Colours

The two entrances to Grantown-on-Spey from the south and south-west are the most beautiful sight in Spring and Autumn when the beech leaves open - and then colour before falling.

meconopsis