Photo: Rachel Keenan Photography
T
his time of year is perfect for an amble through the profusion of flowers, foliage and fragrance at Benmore Botanic Garden.
Located at the gateway to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Benmore’s renowned rhododendrons bloom all the way through August. But the star of July’s show is eucryphias, with splashes of white fountains among the lush greenery. Desfontaines also take centre stage in mid-summer with an abundance of blooms against the backdrop of heather-covered mountains. Summer flowering trees and shrubs burst into a riot of colour and fragrance – sweet-smelling yellow jasmimum humile, New Zealand hoherias, American snowdrop, Oriental snowbells and the striking epaulette tree, festooned in perfumed white bells. With more than 3,000 plants of around 300 species, Benmore is famous for its rhododendron collection. However, its west coast setting also makes the garden particularly suitable for collections from Bhutan, Chile, Japan and Tasmania. On sunny days in spring, magnolias are spectacular pink and white against blue sky between the Viewpoint and Golden Gates Avenue. Colour is not just for blossom. Rhododendron barbatum produces
plum-coloured flaking bark and Rhododendron thomsonii a striking gold and sea-green peeling bark and vivid red flowers. Young shoots bring sharp freshness to evergreens. Visit the Tasmanian Ridge and look out for a shock of brilliant new leaves of red and bronze produced by the myrtle beech, Nothofagus cunninghamii. The air will be fragrant with Pieris japonica at this time of year. Don’t miss a visit to the garden’s restored Victorian Fernery. The Fernery was built in the 1870s at a time when Britain was gripped by “fernmania”. With the restoration of the fernery, a part of Benmore’s history has been brought back to life. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and life-cycles of ferns and to admire their intricate and diverse beauty. Make sure you find the time to visit our magnificent grade-A listed Golden Gates. Benmore is suitable for all ages and is a great day out for the family. Keep an eye out for the Garden’s resident red squirrels who are likely to make an appearance. Admission costs adult £7.50; Concession £6.75; under 16s and essential carers go free. Prices include a small donation to the Garden.
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