The Colonsay House and Woodland Gardens
The Colonsay House rhododendron and woodland garden is considered to be one of the finest rhododendron gardens in Scotland. It was planted mostly in the 1930's and has an exceptional variety, not only of rhododendrons, but also of trees and shrubs including some exotic species from the southern hemisphere.
The woodland garden covers some 20 acres.
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The design takes full advantage of the natural features of the landscape with paths winding through hidden wooded valleys and up hills to reveal magnificent vistas toward and beyond the early Georgian House. There is a large pond and a stream running through the centre of the garden.
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The more formal walled gardens surround Colonsay House which is lived in by Alexander Howard, the son of the 4th Lord Strathcona, with his wife, Jane, and their young family. These gardens are filled with colourful mixed borders, climbing roses and clematis, and, most unusually, agapanthus. The lighthouse garden's centrepiece will surprise and intrigue!
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As the climate is mild, it is possible to grow a large variety of plants, including subtropical and more tender plants.There are eucalypts, myrtle, acacia, eucryphia and magnificent 50 feet tall magnolias dotted throughout the garden.
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Apart from the rhododendrons, there is also a wide selection of shrubs including pieris, fuschia, hydrangea, olearia, escallonia and camellia.
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A particular point of interest in the garden is the early Christian statue which stands next to a well which is dedicated to St Oran. The carved stone statue dates from the 7th or 8th century.
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Colonsay House Garden & Shop
Organic produce from the gardens is available to purchase in season from our reception centre. Here you will find that we sell our home made jams and chutneys, our home grown salad and vegetables, Colonsay clothing and hats and some local art.
The Colonsay House private gardens and shop are open on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the summer.
The Woodland garden is open 7 days a week throughout the year. |
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