Hortus goes to SW Scotland

The tour starts at Glasgow Paisley International Airport at 11:15 to coincide with flights from London Heathrow (and trains to Glasgow Central from London Euston). Travel together by coach to Dumfries House, one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes saved in 2007 by the intervention of His Royal Highness, The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay. The house combines the neoclassical architecture of Robert Adam with the furniture of Thomas Chippendale and leading 18th-century Scottish cabinet makers. In addition, the Queen Elizabeth walled garden is the flagship project of the estate restoration. Following lunch and a visit to the gardens and house we check in at the Dumfries House Lodge and dine this evening in the privacy of the Dumfries House Library. *Dumfries House images credit Nacho Rivera*

Dunesslin House is about as close to ‘the back of beyond’ as can be found in Dumfriesshire.  Here we meet owner Zara Milligan who has created a romantic Anglo-Scottish Garden with the help of architect Charles Morris who introduced a strong structure to support Mrs Milligan’s intensive planting. On the hillside above are three pieces by the artist Andy Goldsworthy who lives locally.  Lunch is included today at Drumlanrig Castle, the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Lastly a visit to The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, created by the late Charles Jencks and his wife Maggie Keswick.  This is a garden of outstanding land-art, some inspired by cutting-edge science in the form of DNA, fractal geometry, wave forms and quantum theory. Continue to Knockinaam Lodge with time to settle in before dining together. *The Garden of Cosmic Speculation/Portrack image credit John Jencks*

Logan Botanic Garden, a satellite to Edinburgh Botanic Garden, has been named Scotland’s most exotic garden as it enjoys an almost subtropical climate because of the Gulf Stream. A wide range of species from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America and South Africa thrive and will be introduced to us by the Curator Richard Baines.  Richard will also join us at the hotel this evening to give a pre-dinner talk. Following a light lunch in the gardens return to the hotel with time to wander on the beach or walk along the cliffs before dining together.

Cally Plants is a specialist perennial nursery & display garden that was established in an 18th-century walled garden by adventurer Michael Wickenden It is now run by Kevin Hughes who has an additional passion for wildlife. We then journey to the pretty town of Kirkcudbright to see Broughton House with its intricate garden next to the bustling River Dee. Created by one of the artists known as ‘The Glasgow Boys’, Edward Atkinson Hornel, the garden has strong Japanese influences. Free time to explore and have lunch in Kirkcudbright before visiting Elizabeth MacGregor’s garden and nursery that specializes in, amongst others, Japanese anemones and cottage garden plants.

The 18th century walled garden of Woodfall was a productive fruit and vegetable garden up to the first world war.  In more recent years it has evolved into an atmospheric haven of scented plantings. Wigtown holds the title of Scotland’s National Book town - a book lover’s haven. Free time to find a book and some lunch before returning to Glasgow Paisley International Airport for 17:00 in time to catch the flight to London Heathrow or to transfer to Glasgow Central Railway station for the service to London.