Gardens to visit in spring and summer – Brodick

Brodick Castle, in Scotland, has been a stronghold of some kind since the fifth century, when ancient Irish tribes came raiding for cattle and women.

In 1503 the castle and the Earldom of Arran were granted by James IV to his cousin, Lord Hamilton. That structure was demolished in 1544, but some areas of the present castle date from 1588, when it was held by the second Earl of Arran who was the guardian and regent of Queen Mary.

As the home of the Dukes of Hamilton, the castle was then occupied by Cromwell’s troops after the first Duke was executed during the Civil War in 1648 and the second died in battle just three years later – much damage done then has been lovingly restored. It eventually came into the possession of Mary, Duchess of Montrose, who revitalised the gardens. Since her death in 1957 it has been owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

The colourful gardens are notable in particular for a wonderful display of rhododendrons in spring, although somewhat later than southern flowering, so ring and check if they are out yet if this is your particular ‘thing’. Other interesting garden features include:

1. The walled garden
2. The "Ice House" where ice was packed into a hole in the ground in winter, to be stored for use in summer
3. The Bavarian Summer House, a hexagonal wooden structure built in 1845 and decorated with elaborate arrangements of fir cones – it’s bizarrely Victorian and has to be seen to be believed.

Visitors can also take advantage of several walking trails, including one leading up Goatfell mountain 2867 feet in height, and another to the intriguingly named "Duchesses' Bathing Pool".

Brodick photograph by bea y fredi, used under a creative commons attribution licence

 

© blueworldgardener.co.uk