Scottish Garden of the Season – Bradystone
June 2nd 2017Bradystone is a unique cottage garden developed over the last 22 years within a derelict farm steading. The garden and the surrounding small woodland have gradually been enhanced and expanded to create a feeling of tranquility and charm.
The heart of the garden is centred on the U shaped traditional stone courtyard, which is richly planted with varieties of climbing and Rambling Roses, Wisteria and hybrid and species Clematis, including a wonderful display of soft nodding scented bells from Clematis Rehdriana. The old stone buildings surround a derelict cattle court which now includes a small circular pond and four creatively planted packed herbaceous borders where garden stalwarts and many rare and unusual perennials jostle for space amid a blaze of colour. These include Crambie Cordifolia, Thalictrums, Peonies, Lupins, Delphiniums, Geraniums and many more giving the courtyard a truly sophisticated cottage garden look. Outwith the herbaceous planting are gravel paths filled with Grasses, Euphorbias, Tree Lupins and Wallflowers. There is also a Lavender hedge and Valerians in profusion, which create billowing clouds of pink flowers throughout summer. Lookout for wall trimmed Exchorda Macrantha, Hydrangea Villosa and the charming Clematis Montana Marjorie.
Through the wrought iron gates is the more formal area where the magnificent Viburnum Plicatum Mariesii and Hydrangea Annabelles soften the look. There are also four newly planted weeping standard Gardenia Roses in French zinc planters surrounded by Hellebores and Agapanthus.
On entering the North side of the house there is a mixture of shrubs and trees. A large Eucalyptus Gunnii dominates the landscape with Kew rambler Rambling Rose scrambling to 25 feet through it. The border continues along the house where tight clipped Juniper Hibernicus punctuate the planting of Tree Peonies, Cotinus, Garrya Elliptica, Hydrangeas and a wall trimmed Crinodendron Hookerianum which is adorned with its dangling red lanterns in summer.
Opposite the house through a sweeping clipped beech hedge is the easterly shelter belt which was planted to provide a windbreak 22 years ago. It is now being thinned and enhanced with underplanting of shrubs, Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas and wild Roses. Paths through the woodland meander to the duck pond where Gunnera, Bamboo and Willows thrive alongside a graceful specimen of Cercidiphyllum Japonica Pendulum.
Hens and Ducks roam freely throughout the garden adding to the overall charm of this country garden. There is also a vegetable area which has now undergone a recent revamp with gravel paths and raised beds giving it a more traditional parterre look.
Bradystone is a delightful gem of a garden that is open on Thursdays throughout June and July. Other times and groups welcome by appointment.
Where: Bradystone House, Murthly, Perthshire PH1 4EW
When: Thursdays throughout June and July. Other times and groups by appointment.
