Inverewe

Inverewe is famous for growing plants you would not expect so far north. On the coast of Wester Ross, just north of Poolewe, Osgood Mackenzie turned barren land into a garden of exotic plants from around the world, helped by the mild influence of the North Atlantic current. Today the garden covers some 50 acres with over 2,500 exotic plants and flowers, set within a much larger estate.

As you walk, notice the tall shelter belts of trees such as Corsican pine and Douglas fir. These were Mackenzie's first job, planted to break the wind before anything tender could grow, and they still shape the garden. Inside that shelter you find the famous rhododendron collection, with something in flower through much of the year, and a large collection of erythroniums in spring. The walled garden and borders come into their own in summer, filled with plants from all over the world.

For gardeners in exposed or coastal places, Inverewe is the best lesson there is in the value of shelter. Trees and hedges come first, then tender plants follow. Even in winter there is colour from the bark of many rhododendrons and from the trees, which include Wollemi pines. A small team of gardeners continues to develop the garden. Wester Ross is remote, so plan your journey and combine the visit with the wider coast.