The wonderfully diverse world of the rhododendron is about to be celebrated with the Scottish Rhododendron Festival which returns for its fourth year.
Gardens and estates across the country, including sites across Dumfries & Galloway are taking part in the colourful garden festival, which takes place from 1 April to 31 May 2018, and comprises of more than 90 events nationwide.
The annual Festival, which launched in 2015, is organised by national garden tourism group Discover Scottish Gardens, supported by VisitScotland, Glorious Gardens of Argyll & Bute and Scotland’s Gardens Scheme which has organised open days at private gardens across the country to raise money for a selection of nominated charities.
The festival aims to encourage local audiences and tourists to enjoy the wonders of Scotland’s gardens during the rhododendron flowering period and highlight the diversity and plethora of rhododendron collections that can be found in Scotland.
Venues taking part in the festival around the region include Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan and Glenwhan Gardens, near Stranraer.
The rhododendron is a huge family of around 1,000 species, from small mountain shrubs to magnificent tree-like specimens.
Richard Baines, Curator at Logan Botanic Garden in Port Logan, said:
“Scottish Gardens have long been famous for their spring displays of rhododendrons, many of which originate in the far east. The Rhododendron Festival brings together gardens from the length and breadth of the country each displaying specimens that thrive in their individual garden. A real feast for anyone who enjoys spectacular displays of early colour in wonderful natural surroundings.
“Dumfries and Galloway has some outstanding gardens many of which are famous for their rhododendron collections. Amongst these are Logan with it extensive tender collection, Castle Kennedy with its fabulous woodland garden, and further east, Corsock House, famed for its water gardens and magnificent specimens of the yellow flowered Rhododendron lacteum.”
Paula Ward, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director, said: “We’re delighted that the Rhododendron Festival is continuing to grow, with these beautiful public gardens in Dumfries & Galloway sharing their passion for these beautiful flowers.
“The region’s wonderful scenery and landscapes remain as popular as ever with visitors. Now is the perfect time of year to get out and about to explore our great outdoors, and what better way than to visit the many stunning gardens and estates to see the rhododendrons in bloom.”
For more information and events listings, please visit: http://discoverscottishgardens.org/events
