Branklyn Garden

Branklyn is a small garden with a huge plant list, and it is a favourite with keen gardeners for that reason. John and Dorothy Renton set out in 1922 to grow rare and unusual plants from around the world on two acres of hillside in Perth, and the garden now holds over 3,500 kinds of plants.

The paths wind up and across the slope of Kinnoull Hill, past rock garden plants, woodland shrubs and beds of peat-loving plants. Many of the early plants were raised from seed collected by plant hunters such as George Forrest and Frank Ludlow, so you are seeing the results of real expeditions. The garden holds National Collections, including Meconopsis, the blue poppies, and Cassiope, a group of small heather-like shrubs. Rhododendrons, alpines and woodland plants fill the rest of the garden, and spring brings bulbs such as dog's-tooth violets. Japanese maples and other trees carry interest into autumn.

For gardeners, Branklyn proves that a compact garden can hold a serious collection when space is used well. Look at how plants are grouped by their needs, with acid-loving plants in their own areas and alpines given sharp drainage. If you grow blue poppies, this is the place to see them well grown in Scottish conditions. Go slowly and read the labels.