Branklyn Gardens
Every group that I have ever guided around Scotland has visited Branklyn Gardens. It's an absolute " must visit." Described as the "finest two acres of private gardens in the UK," Branklyn Gardens are located on the way out of the city of Perth, on the road towards Dundee. The garden was started in 1922 on the site of a former orchard and was taken over by the National Trust for Scotland in 1967. It has a wonderful collection of plants and is particularly colourful in the spring time when the rhododendrons and many alpine plants are in bloom. Botanists come from all over the world to see it.
The gardens are open from 9.30am until sunset (which in the summer time can be well into the evening). While we are in the area, we might take time out for a walk in the nearby Kinnoull Hill - there are magnificent views down the Firth of Tay and across to the soaring Friarton Bridge which crosses the river, avoiding the city of Perth (not that you would want to!). And if you are keen on gardens and flowers, the Dundee University Botanic Gardens, 15 miles further down the River Tay, is also well worth a visit.