The Village of Killearn, Scotland

Glenarn, Glenarn Road, Rhu, Helensburgh G84 8LL. On A814, two miles north of Helensburgh. Cars to be left at gate unless passengers are infirm.

Sheltered woodland garden overlooking the Gareloch. Large collection of rare and tender rhododendrons together with fine magnolias and other interesting trees and shrubs. In season there are profusions of snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, erythroniums and primulas. There is a new potting shed and cold frames. Near the vegetable garden there are beehives and there is a rock garden with views over the Gareloch.

There is no general catering but catering for groups can be provided by prior arrangement.

Admission £4.00, no charge to accompanied children under 16. Bees for Development receives 40%, net remaining to SGS charities.

West Plean House, Denny Road,by Stirling FK7 8HA. From Junction 9 where M9 and M80 converge take A872 for Denny. In less than 1 mile turn left at house sign immediately after lodge cottage. Carry on up drive to the garden.

Woodland walks with Snowdrops in February. Daffodil walk in April. A well established garden which includes the site of an iron age homestead. Panoramic views over seven counties. Woodland walks with mature rhododendrons, specimen trees, extensive lawns and shrubs. There is a walled garden with a variety of vegetables. Includes a woodland walk with planting of azaleas and rhododendrons.

Admission February £3.00, April £4.00. 40% to Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association, net remaining to SGS charities.

Cream teas on Sunday 24 April only.

Kilbryde Castle, Dunblane FK15 9NF. Off A820 Doune to Dunblane road, 3 miles from Doune and Dunblane. On Garden Scheme days, it is signposted from the A820.

Traditional Scottish baronial house rebuilt in 1877 to replace building dating from 1461. The gardens cover around 12 acres above the Ardoch Burn and below the castle. They are split into three sections - formal, woodland and wild. Spring bulbs (including huge drifts of snowdrops in the wild garden) and autumn colour. Natural planting of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias in the woodland garden. Cream teas and light refreshments on 8 May only.

Admission 6 March £3, 8 May and 12 June £4.00, children free. 40% to Leighton Library, net remaining to SGS charities.

The Pass House, Kilmahog, Callander FK17 8HD. 2 miles from Callander on A84 to Lochearnhead.

Well planted medium sized garden with steep banks down to swift river. Garden paths are not steep. Camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, alpines and shrubs. The SGS plaque awarded for 25 years of opening will be on display for the first time.

Admission £4.00, children free. 40% to Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme, net remaining to SGS charities.

Rowberry, 18 Castle Road, Dollar FK14 7BE. On the road up to Castle Campbell and overlooking Dollar Glen. In Dollar pass along the burn side, turn right at the "T" junction then follow the signs for Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen. Park at the bottom of Castle Road or in Quarry car park just up from the house.

A colourfull garden with several mixed shrub and herbaceous borders, a wildlife pond two rockeries, fruit and vegetable gardens, a mini-orchard and alpine troughs. The owner is a plant enthusiast and likes to collect unusual specimens. She is a member of the Hillfoot Harmony Barbershop Singers who will be in attendance to serve afternoon teas and entertain with occassional songs.

Admission £4.00, children free. 40% to Hillfoot Harmony Barbershop Singers, net remaining to SGS charities.

Gargunnock House, Gargunnock FK8 3AZ. 5 miles west of Stirling on the A811.

Five acres of mature gardens, woodland walks, walled garden and 18th century doocot. Snowdrops in February and March, Daffodils in April and May, glorious display of rhododendrons and azaleas in May and June, wonderful trees and unusual flowering shrubs. Glorious autumn colours. Guided tours can be aranged for parties. The garden has featured in the Scotsman and Scottish Field. Plant stall at all times. Refreshments on 15 May only.

Admission £3.00 except 15th May when £4.00, children free. 20% to Childrens Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), 20% to Gargunnock Community Centre, net remaining to SGS charities.

Yellowcraig Wood, Bluebell Walk, near Causewayhead, FK9 4LB. From the Causewayhead roundabout, take the B998 passing the Wallace Monument on your right. Turn left just before the next roundabout and go straight along this road. The entrance to the foot of Yellowcraig Wood is adjascent to Logie Kirk. Parking in the Logie Kirk car park.

70 acres of ancient woodland with a mixture of trees including oak, ash, birch, beech, gean, rowan, Scots pines and larches. Carpets of bluebells. Beautiful views from Witches Crag and Yellow Crag (binoculars recommended). The lower part of the wood is on a very steep hill and a walking stick is advisable. There is also a 20 minute walk on the flat at the bottom of the wood.

Teas served in Logie Kirk Annex. The Church will be open for viewing.

Admission £4.00. 40% to Ataxia Society, net remaining to SGS charities.

Ross Priory, Gartocharn G83 8NL. Off A811 1½ miles from Gartocharn. Bus Balloch to Gartocharn leaves Balloch at 1 and 3 pm.

1812 Gothic addition by James Gillespie Graham to a house of 1693. The garden is has wonderful views over Loch Lomond. Rhododendrons, azaleas, selected shrubs and trees. Also a walled garden with glasshouses, a pergola and ornamental planting. Family burial ground. There are nature and garden trails. Teas in house (which is not open to view). Plant stall and putting green.

Admission £4 children free. 40% to CHAS, net remaining to SGS charities.

Gartmore Village, Main Street, Gartmore FK8 3RW. Gartmore is on a small loop road off the A81 Glasgow to Abrefoyle road and is well signposted. It is about 4 miles from Aberfoyle.

There will be at least 10 attractive and interesting small gardens in and around this beautiful and peaceful village which has splendid views. A map / entry ticket can be purchased at any of the open gardens each of which will display yellow "GARDEN OPEN" signs. Plant stall, cream teas in Village Hall.

Admission £4, children free 40% to Crossroads Care Attendance Scheme, net remaining to SGS charities.

Roman Camp Country House Hotel and Orchardlea House Gardens, Callander FK17 8BG. A84 entrance between 2 pink houses off Main Street, Callander, FK17 8BG.

Set amid 20 acres of ground the former hunting lodge of 1625 is now the renowned Roman Camp Coountry House Hotel. Thew delightful gardens have evolved over the centuries with much care and attention. They incorporate a Victorian semi-walled garden, riverside walks, woodland trails and a Parterre garden to the rear. Rhododendrons, Meconopsis, Tulips and early spring herbaceous plants should all be in flower for the open day.

Adjoining the Roman Camp is Orchardlea House with its Secret Garden developed over the last 25 years with a wide range of interesting trees and shrubs. Plant stall at Orchardlea. Cream teas and accommodation at Roman Camp Hotel.

Admission £5.00 children free. 40% to Crossroads Care Attendance Scheme, net remaining to SGS charities.

The Pepper Pot, 43 Station Road, Killearn G63 9NZ. From A81 Glasgow to Aberfoyle Road, take A875 turning to Killearn. The Pepper Pot is on the right near the bus shelter just after the entrance to the village. Parking is on Station Road.

This garden has opened previously as part of the Killearn Village Gardens but this is the first time it has opened on its own. It is a small but colourful garden with a wide range of rhododendrons, acers, woodland plants, bamboos, alpines, bulbs, flowering shrubs, cacti, palms and other exotics, herbaceous and roses. It makes much use of sandstone dykes and contains interesting water features comprising streams and ponds

Admission £3.00, children free. 40% to Mary's Meals, net remaining to SGS charities.

Arndean by Dollar, FK14 7NH. Arndean is well signposted off the A977.

A beautiful mature garden extending to 15 acres including a woodland walk. There is a formal herbaceous part, a small vegetable garden and an orchard. In addition there are flowering shrubs, abundant and striking rhododendrons and azaleas, and many fine specimen trees. Tree house for children.

Home baking and other stalls, golf available, clock golf, croquet and tennis, The Macallan Fine Oak Highland Single Malt Whisky promotion, cream teas.

Admission £5.00. 40% to St James' Church Dollar, net remaining to SGS charities.

Glenorchard, Auchenlay Road, Dunblane FK15 9JS. Travel into Dunblane from A820. Take the 3rd turning on the left into Kilbryde Crescent which is a single track country road. Follow the road for 1 mile, the house is on the right hand side.

A traditional terraced garden dating from 1904 with herbaceous borders. The garden is particularly attractive in May with rhododendrons, azaleas and cherry blossom. There is a short walk along the bank of the river Allan which features spring flowers. In the field beyond hardy wild orchids have been allowed to spread freely. Laighils bank, opposite the garden, is a carpet of bluebells in May. Homemade teas available.

Admission £3.50, children free. 40% to CHAS, net remaining to SGS charities.

Bridge of Allan Gardens, Bridge of Allan FK9.

Signposted from village. Maps and tickets available at all open gardens. Cream Teas available at St Saviour's Church Hall.

Plaka, Pendreich Road FK9 4LY.

Half acre of semi-terraced gardens divided into outdoor rooms with wild spaces. In addition there are rhododendrons, perennials and interesting stone and other features.

Kenilworth, 7 Kenilworth Road, FK9 4DU.

A traditional garden which has been kept true to its original layout dating back to the 1850's. "Kenilworth" is one of the three oldest houses in Kenilworth Road and was a lodging for the young Robert Louis Stevenson and his family during May 1858. The garden has a number of specimen trees including a magnificent deodar cedar all of which make it secluded. There are also open spaces and many different areas of interest. Plants include rhododendrons, azaleas, herbaceous and annuals. An elegant and sturdy fruit cage provides protection from the birds.

Kilmun Cottage, 1b Pendreich Road, FK9 4PZ.

A 1/3 acre sloping garden designed and beautifully landscaped by the owner within the last three years. A terraced garden with an attractive rockery and pond, raised beds with herbaceous plants including a fine Fothergilla major, a vegetable plot with three espalier apple trees and a fruit garden with blueberry and other bushes leading to a wild area.

Admission £4.00 children free. 30% to St Saviour's Church, 10% to Strathcarron Hospice, net remaining to SGS charities.

Brooke Linn, Leny Feus, Callander FK17 8AU. Take A84 Stirling to Callander road, through Callander, turn first right after the Poppies Hotel into Leny Feus.

The 2 acre gardens have been planted over the last 25 years. Set on the side of a hill with a south west aspect they offer lovely views towards the Trossachs. The old vegetable garden is now full of herbaceous planting. There is a small orchard, a pond, a burn and terraced lawns planted with azaleas and rhododendrons.

Admission £4.00 children free. 40% to CHAS, net remaining to SGS charities.

King's Park Gardens, Stirling FK8. From city centre signed from Carlton Bingo at Allan Park. From south signed from St. Ninian's Road. From west and north signed from Drummond Place and Dumbarton Road.

Southwood, 2 Southfield Crescent, Stirling FK8 2JQ.

A walled garden which was redesigned in 1987. Long herbaceous borders with beech hedges, shrubs and a lavender bed also fragrant roses including climbers. Well stocked paeony bed on mound and interesting specimen and fruit trees. Asparagus and vegetables area. The Big Noise Raploch Children's Orchestra will perform together with a local opera singer. A willow weaving demonstration by Joan Campbell will take place throughout the afternoon. Coffee and smoothies will be available.

3 Southfield Crescent, Stirling FK8 2JQ.

This charming garden was revamped in 2003. It has an attractive variegated privet hedge in the front garden, several interesting maples, herbaceous plants and a newly planted Monkey Puzzle tree. The sheltered, semi-walled, rear garden has a Wisteria and other shrubs, a raised bed, several rhododendrons and other plants in pots, and an attractive summer house. There will be a bottle stall.

23 Drummond Place, Stirling FK8 2JE.

Garden flat of No. 3. Charming front and back garden with attractive planting, terracing, planters and other decorative features. THere will be a silver jewellery stall by Sarah Thompson.

21 Snowdon Place, Stirling FK8 2JW.

A traditional south facing walled garden with fine herbaceous and perennial planting. Trachelospurmum with buttery yellow flowers is on the back of the house with a notable cornus "Henry Hadden" and a rockery. Silk scarves by Morag Mackenzie will be on sale.

Park Lodge, Park Terrace, Stirling FK8.

A large and elegant formal garden with good herbaceous borders. Pimms, wine and strawberries will be on sale. There will be a hat show by local milliner, Claire Workman, at 3:45pm.

1 Abercromby Place, Stirling FK8 2QP.

A medium sized walled garden dominated by a 100 year old copper beech. There is a 70 year old Wisteria on the south facing back of the house, many mature bushes and Clematis growing up various sections of the wall. The garden changes from a colourful spring garden with azaleas, rhododendrons, spring bulbs and bluebells into a summer garden with an herbaceous bed and some old-fashioned climbing roses. There will be Artists' stalls.

8 Albert Place, Stirling FK8 2QL.

A small cottage garden created from scratch over the last 6 years and still evolving. Herbaceous and mixed borders with traditional cottage garden plants and grasses. Bog garden. Vegetables in small plot and in containers. Selection of climbing roses recenlty planted and grown without chemicals. Hens. Home baking and produce stall.

The Grove, 23 Clarendon Place, Stirling FK8 2QW.

A charming garden on the site of the previously well-known Grove Nursery which was operational until the 1960's. The semi-walled rear garden looks out on to the Ochil Hills. It is full of interesting mixed palnting including vegetables and mature trees. There is a handsome sundial set in traditional flagstones. The front garden is a blaze of colour. There will be a Mosaics Stall at the garden.

Admission £5.00, children free. 20% to Strathcarron Hospice, 20% to Big Noise, net remaining to SGS charities.

Thorntree, Arnprior FK8 3EY. A811, take Fintry Road from Arnprior, garden is second on the right.

A charming cottage garden with flower beds arranged around a courtyard with views from Ben Lomond to Ben Ledi. There is an apple walk, fern garden and Saltire garden. Cream Teas and Plant Stall.

Robin Morris, a local bee keeper, will be available to answer your questions on bee keeping on both open days and will have an inspection hive on display.

There will be an exhibition, sale of paintings and Art Workshop by William Lees DA on 26 June and by Lesley Ann Derks BA on 14 August. Work will also be on sale from participant artists from Artreach and Artspace projects run by Artlink Central. Full information on the art workshops taking place on 26 June and 14 August can be found in the "News" section of the website www.thorntreebarn.co.uk.

Admission to garden £4.00. Workshops (26 June with William Lees and 14 August with Lesley Ann Derks) £30.00 (including lunch).
Artlink Central receives 40% on 26 June, Riding for the Disabled receives 40% on 14 August, net remaining to SGS charities.

The Gean House, Tullibody Road, Alloa FK10 2EL.

The Gean House is located on the Tullibody Road, Alloa.

The Gean House is an early 20th century Arts and Crafts style mansion. On arrival, the sweeping driveway from the main road takes you through beautiful parkland lined with trees to the Mansion set on top of the hill facing north east. The gardens surrounding the house originally extended to 40 acres and included a Japanese garden in the woods. All that now remains are seven acres on the southern and eastern aspects of the house. There is a rose garden situated directly outside the dining room window.

Cream teas in The Gean House.

Admission £4.00, children free. 40% to The Scottish Society for Autism, net remaining to SGS charities.

Avonmuir House, Muiravonside, by Linlithgow, EH49 6LN. From Junction 4 of the M9 follow the A803 towards Linlithgow. After about half a mile turn right into the road signposted to Whitecross. In the centre of Whitecross take the first right. Pass a small football ground and go round a sharp bend and just before the bridge over the Union Canal turn right towards Muiravonside Kirk and Cemetery. Immediatley turn right again into the parking area in the field.

The house and gardens are the old Manse of Muiravonside built about 1795. There is a walled garden with fruiting trees and north and south facing borders. The gardens then lead through shrubs and young trees towards an old ruin with a walk along the burn back to the house.
There is a produce stall, homemade teas and canal trips.

Admission £4.00, children free. 40% to Combat Stress, net remaining to SGS charities.

Duntreath Castle, Blanefield G63 9AJ. Located on A81 north of Glasgow between Blanefield and Killearn.

Extensive gardens with mixture of mature and new planting. Ornamental landscaped lake, waterfall garden with shrubs and spring planting and a bog garden. Extensive lawns below formal fountain and rose parterre with herbaceous border. Woodland walk. 15th century keep and chapel.

Admission £4.00. All proceeds to SGS charities.

The Tors, 2 Slamannan Road, Falkirk FK1 5LG

The B803 to the south of Falkirk leads to Glenbrae Road. Turn right at the traffic lights into Slammannan Road. The Tors is a Victorian building on the left.

Tors is an award winning mixed Victorian town garden of 1 acre with a secret woodland garden to one side and an orchard and wild area to the rear. Many unusual Maple trees and rhododendrons are the main interest in this garden along with several wildlife ponds and water features. The garden was featured in the "Beechgrove Garden" for autumn colour in September 2010.

Plant stall and homemade teas.

Admission £3.00, children free. 40% to Strathcarron Hospice, net remaining to SGS charities.

Camalt, Fintry, G63 0XH

From Fintry village take B822 towards Lennoxtown for approximately 1 mile then turn left to Denny on B818.Camalt entrance on the right.

8 acre garden previously open for its old and interesting daffodil cultivars dating from 1600 which carpet the woodland beside waterfalls and burn, at their best during April and early May. These are followed by bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas. Herbaceous terraced gardens under continued progression of change meet lawns which run down to the Endrick Water. Other features include ponds and bog garden still under development.

Admission £3.00, children free. 40% to Strathcarron Hospice, net remaining to SGS charities.

Culbuie, Buchlyvie, FK8 3NY

Take A811 to Buchlyvie. Turn up Culbowie Road and Culbuie is almost at the top of the hill on the right.

Spring collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, narcissi, bluebells, primulas and meconopsis. Woodland walk with new planting. Early summer magnolias, cornus and viburnums. Colourful perennial borders. Wild flower meadow. Good autumn colour. Lots of interest throughout this 5 acre garden with spendid views of Ben Lomond and surrounding hills.

Admission £3.50, children free. 40% to Preshal Trust, net remaining to SGS charities.

The Linns, Sheriffmuir, Dunblane, FK15 0LP

Sherriffmuir by Dunbalne, telephone for additional directions.

A specialist collection of snowdrops. Open by appointment on first come first served basis as parking is limited. Snowdrop plants may be for sale.
Three and a half acres of woodland and herbaceous garden. A superb Plant Heritage (NCCPG) collection of Himalayan big blue poppies.

Admission £3.50. 40% to Sophie North Charitable Trust Trust, net remaining to SGS charities.