Achamore Gardens

PGG visit to Achamore Gardens, Isle of Gigha

Achamore Gardens are to be found on the idyllic Isle of Gigha, some three miles from the western peninsular of Kintyre. Gigha is seven miles long and a mile wide. The community-owned island has a population of 160. With stunning views to the Paps of Jura, Ben More on Mull and Goatfell on Arran. Blessed with fertile soil, acid sandy loam with either a clay or gravel subsoil. Influenced by the Gulf Stream frosts are rare and snow rarely seen.

Colonel James Horlick, (of the malt drink fame) purchased the island after the Second World War and set about creating a 54 – acre woodland garden. With help from a professional gardener and other well-known horticulturalists of the time. The garden soon boasted a great array of plants and became the home for the Horlick rhododendron collection, where he bred and registered over 30 cultivars, including ‘Mrs James Horlick’.

The unique microclimate has allowed for some unusual plants to thrive; they have recorded mature specimens of Metrosideros excelsa, Anopterus glandulosa and Atherosperma moschata all growing within the walled garden together with Pinus monteuzume, underplanted with Echium pininana.

Programme

10:00am – 10:30am Tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival at the Gigha Hotel, followed by a guided tour of the gardens with Bryony White, Head Gardener.
12:30pm – 1:30pm Light lunch at the Gigha Hotel.
Then free to wander and explore the island with sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas, stunning views and amazing sunsets, and many archaeological and historic sites to be discovered. You can leave your car on the mainland and explore the island at leisure by foot or bike.

Directions

At Tarbet, the A82 becomes the A83, signposted Campbeltown – follow this road through some of the most scenic countryside until you come to Tayinloan. The ferry is well signposted from the main road.

Caledonian MacBrayne runs a vehicle and passenger ferry to Gigha all year round. The sailing from Tayinloan, Kintyre, is only a 20-minute crossing. Tickets can only be purchased once on board the ferry. Arrive10 mins before departure. First ferry 8am then more or less hourly, last ferry off the isle 18.30pm. To find out more information please visit: www.calmac.co.uk/destinations/gigha

Postcode/Satnav: PA29 6XG

Cost

£22.00 per person includes tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival, light lunch and entrance to the gardens.

Booking

Book Online or send payment by cheque made payable to ‘The Professional Gardeners’ Guild’ to Colin Carmichael, Selma, Old Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2DH