THE BEAUTY OF THE GLENWHAN GARDENS

Text by David Marshall

Photographs by Sue and David Marshall

Whilst in the Galloway area of southern Scotland Sue and I decided to travel the A75 from Castle Douglas to the outskirts of Stranraer in order to visit the famous Castle Kennedy Garden. This vast open parkland has, amongst its attractions, an amazing walled garden and large water lily pond.

As we had passed close to the town of Dunragit, roughly 7 miles east of Stranraer, we had seen a sign for 'Glenwhan Gardens' so, on our way back to Castle Douglas, decided to investigate. Thankfully, we had given ourselves plenty of time, as from the moment we passed through the entrance kiosk, we found ourselves in a beautiful 'lost world' of ponds and gardens.

At this point we will look at the background to Glenwhan. In 1974 a family purchased the Estate, 103 acres, without having seen the land. On the bad side they found a wilderness of boggy areas, thick stands of gorse and an abundance of rushes. On the good side the Estate was 300 feet above sea level and had spectacular views overlooking Luce Bay, the Mull of Galloway and the Isle of Man.

Using the sea views as a starting point 12 acres were fenced, in 1979, against rabbits and deer. A belt of trees was then planted, to ensure shelter, and several small lakes (lochans) created by damming the boggy areas. Thanks to the influence of both the Gulf Stream and natural peat land (pH4.5) it was possible to plant a wide variety of plants from the Southern hemisphere, including rhododendrons and azaleas. Rocky outcrops were created that are home to a variety of alpines, heathers and conifers. Sculptures, bird/small mammal feeding areas and boathouse etc. completed the picture.

As you will see from the accompanying photographs this all adds up to a wonderful experience and at Glenwhan you literally are 'up mountain and down dale'. Although much of this is a gradual climb, you need to be sound of feet and have a good pair of walking shoes to fully appreciate the full range of this spectacular garden. The ornamental woodland is a little hard going but don't overlook it. To aid the visitor there is plenty of well-spaced seating and resting areas throughout the 12 acres.

So what about the aquatic interest? Well, not only is the main lake home to a variety of water loving plants but you will find fish here also. What you have to remember is that this is a natural pond with no U/V system for clear water etc. The notice boards talk of several fish species that inhabit this lake and we were able to view, and photograph, some extremely large Mirror Carp and beautifully coloured Koi. What we did not realise, until we were leaving, is that you can purchase food to feed the fish at the entrance kiosk.

Along with the fish this is a 'wildlife lover's paradise'. During our visit, mid-July, we viewed a number of Geese feeding from the lakes, caught glimpses of amphibians (one of which walked over a lawn), had the great pleasure of watching a mother Duck leading her youngsters over the lily pads, viewed a wide variety of woodland birds and had the great pleasure of getting close to a Red squirrel.

Finally, you will find no commercial aspect, other than a cafeteria area, at Glenwhan. The Garden is open daily from Easter to 30th September (10.00 to 17.00). We recommend that if you are in the Galloway area you pay a visit. Had you seen the look of amazement on Sue's face you would have known, as I did, that you were indeed in a very special place

For readers with Internet facilities you can find out more about Glenwhan Gardens by visiting the official website at www.glenwhangardens.co.uk