A Spring Chat with the Head Gardener

“Snowdrops and Witch Hazels are the real early signs of spring for me, quickly followed by the first wave of early-flowering bulbs. It’s that gradual shift where everything starts to wake up and you can see the garden coming back to life.

In May and June, the scents from the rhododendron loderi and azalea luteum are incredible, and the bluebells running up through the Douglas firs are really something special. The restored Heather House is also well worth a visit at that time of year. Don’t miss the Rock Garden either, the alpines are in full colour and the fresh new leaves on the acers make it a real highlight of early summer.”

The rhododendron collection at Drumlanrig comprises over 500 varieties. It was Duke Richard who first introduced Robbie to the late Alan Clark – an enthusiastic plant hunter, nurseryman and true character – who went on to supply many of the plants that form the collection today.

“My favourite has to be Rhododendron walloper (pink form). I love its huge, fragrant trusses of flowers – it’s a real standout when it’s in bloom. Rhododendron loderi ‘Venus’ is another favourite, with its incredible size and scent, and it’s particularly special to me as it was the first I ever planted in the Garden back in 1991.”