The Secret Scotland - Gardens
Dumfries & Galloway has some of the best gardens in the country - mainly because of the warm air brought in by the Gulf Stream which keeps away the hard winter frosts.

Port Logan Gardens

Port Logan Gardens A specialist garden belonging to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. The mild climate allows some tender exotic plants to thrive outdoors and gives a stunning display - hard to believe you are in Scotland. There is also an award winning salad bar which offers some local delicacies. 14 miles south of Stranraer.

Threave Gardens

Threave Gardens a National Trust Property, A garden that has something to offer all year round. Best known perhaps for its spectacular display of daffodils in the spring but it is full of colour all year round with its herbaceous borders, alpines etc. If you're here in the summer the birdsong in the high trees is quite amazing. 1 mile west of Castle Douglas just off A75

Crichton / Castledykes Gardens

Crichton/Castledykes Gardens The Crichton site which includes the Memorial Church and the Crichton Museum has a large rock garden and pond which give a very colourful display in early spring and again in the autumn. Castledykes Park is just a short walk away and has a picnic/adventure play area and a formal sunken garden. 1 mile south of Dumfries

Glenwhan Gardens

Glenwhan Gardens situated overlooking Luce Bay. This garden was started from scratch only 20 years ago - hard to believe. It now consists of 12 acres and two lovely wee lochans, plus a collection of wild fowl (if the fox has not got them lately). A peaceful haven in which to have a wander and relax in the large collection of rare trees and shrubs. This is an expanding garden and each year there is always something new to see. Dunragit Village just off A75

Arbigland Gardens

Arbigland Gardens A woodland garden with some famous gardeners. John Paul Jones, one of the founders of the American Navy, probably worked here as a boy and not far away there is now a Museum where he was born. Set on the edge of the Solway Firth with some exotic glades and ancient Japanese Maples which surround a lake and water garden. Not far away is the beach where if you look hard fossils can be found. 1 mile south of Kirkbean on the A710

Castle Kennedy and Lochinch Gardens

Castle Kennedy and Lochinch Gardens. 75 acres set in a area of outstanding natural beauty. Spectacular colour in early May/June Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Magnolias and the circular lily pond. In summer the walled garden is full of colour with the ruins of Castle Kennedy as a back drop. Other features are a internationally famous 19th century pinetum and a monkey-puzzle avenue which all give a excellent variety of walks. 4 miles east of Stranraer just off A75