Attadale Gardens - Images
Welcome to Attadale Gardens. Wonderful water gardens stretch down the drive where imaginative planting of primula, gunnera and an impressive selection of well-place sculpture welcome the visitor. Rhododendrons and azaleas were originally planted in Victorian times. For the past 30 years Nicky Macpherson has worked tirelessly to create an artist's garden using the background of the mountains and views of the sea to create a beautiful and peaceful garden, with much to see and admire.
Visitors can climb up to the viewpoint to enjoy views over the loch and down towards the Isle of Skye.
These gardens benefit from the Gulf Stream, sheltered by surrounding hills, a wide selection of trees and carefully sited planting enhances this garden. There are wonderful views from the cultivated heart of the garden out over the water and across to the distant hills. Rosie Sturgis' Crowned Eagle sits just below the viewpoint. Just one of the fantastic variety of sculpture scattered through the garden to add interest for the visitor.
Water gardens with wild mountain behind
Dark pools were created filled with water lilies and surrounded by creative planting. Gunnera and brightly coloured primula line the banks, while a sculpture of a heron stands guard.
A small burn runs along beside the drive.
The burn runs the length of the drive, crossed at intervals by small bridges in the manner of a Monet painting. To find another dimension to the garden, the visitor can walk along a higher hidden path which is broken at intervals by clearings so that the distant views can be admired. Rowan, maple, cherry and birch have been planted to provide a contrast with the dark green of the rhododendrons and the sheltering conifers.
A beautifully tended kitchen garden laid out for inspection. Plants for sale in the polytunnel whatever the weather.
The kitchen garden is filled with interest. Wonderfully planted beds full of colourful lettuce, spinach, herbs and a wide variety of delicious vegetables greets the visitor. Even here there are interesting sculpture; Tom Smith's urn is placed at the end of one vista. A chameleon lurks in a tree on the way to the fern-filled geodesic dome.
Japanese Garden in the Highlands
A constantly flooded part of the garden has been changed by careful drainage. Flooding in winter (and an infestation of Japanese knotweed!) inspired the Japanese garden. Beds were raised, drains were relaid and it was gravelled. Stepping stones lead you across the gravel.
Traditionally Japanese gardens were intended to create feelings of peace and quiet contemplation. Old legends and reverence for natural elements have long been a factor in their design.
Attadale Holiday Cottages - a mile up the glen
Visitors who wish to visit for longer can enjoy a week's stay in the four well-appointed holiday cottages which are available to rent. They sleep from 4 to 8 comfortably and are hidden up the glen, providing the perfect remote haven for those who welcome peace and tranquillity.
Geodesic dome filled with fern collection.
Thanks in part to a generous donation by the late Peter Hainsworth and the Head Gardener Geoff Stephenson's enthusiasm, there is a notable collection of ferns, both inside and around the geodesic dome. It is one of the biggest in Scotland. Just outside lurks the chameleon sculpture.
Rhododendrons and azaleas play a major part here.
First planted during Victorian times by the Schroder family, there is an impressive collection of huge rhododendrons planted all along the main drive. In the spring, they provide a dazzling collection of colour while the scent of the azaleas add to the experience of visiting these gardens.
Sunken garden with small sundial near Attadale House.
Throughout the year, the sunken garden is filled with a wide variety of plants giving a colourful display and views through to white benches that offer the opportunity to sit and enjoy the beauty of these gardens.
Cheetah by Hamish Mackie.
The cheetah was installed in 2008 and excites the admiration of many visitors with its sense of speed and focus. Visitors comes upon it as they walk down the drive. The garden is filled with a variety of sculptue hidden amongst the plants and trees, adding an extra dimension to people's appreciation of the place.
Giant sundial completed this year.
A long project that began late in 2007 when the stones were laid with the help of Tom Nelson. Graciela Ainsworth cut the letters and numerals that mark out the sundial. She also carved the heraldic Macpherson cat that holds the gnomen and tells the time.
Interior of the conservatory filled with thriving plants.
Geoff Stephenson, the Head Gardener has created a new interior in recent years with drystone walls, and a miniature watercourse and pond to provide the right conditions for exotics from subtropical climes. It is filled with atmosphere and colour.
Another interior shot of the conservatory.
Meconopsis flourish among the azaleas.
Traditional plants from meconopsis to gunnera enjoy the damp and sheltered conditions. Throughout the garden visitors, whether novices or gardening experts, enjoy the contrast and creativity that has been shown in the planting. Nicky Macpherson has an artist's eye that appreciates colour and context when it comes to planning the planting. It has been a long term project over many years.
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