There are many thousands of different varieties of daffodils noted by the Royal Horticultural Society - around 1250 varieties are grown in gardens across Britain, with more than 550 different varieties to be found in National Trust for Scotland gardens.

Robert Grant, the Trust’s Head of Gardens & Designed Landscapes said:

“The most notable collections of daffodils can be seen at Threave Garden, Dumfries and Galloway where 360 varieties are grown including the impressive display of ‘Southern Gem’ that fills a sloping bank below the house.

“Greenbank Garden in Glasgow supports over 1000 varieties in its walled garden and woodland policies and at Brodie Castle, Morayshire, where during the early 20th century, Ian, 24th Brodie of Brodie spent his lifetime breeding over 400 different varieties of daffodils, many of which have since been lost from cultivation. The castle grounds now support the National Collection of Brodie Daffodils which is at their most colourful from early April. Particular varieties to look out for include ‘Coverack Gold’, ‘Culbin’, ‘Daviot’, ‘Fortune’s Bowl’, ‘Loch Maree’ and ‘Seraglio’.

“The impressive 18th century tree-lined avenue at Castle Fraser, Inverurie supports a mass of naturalised daffodils planted under the boughs and trunks of the variously aged sycamores that lead to the Castle and at Hill of Tarvit, Cupar drifts of daffodils surround the car park and garden walks – look out for 'Rip van Winkle' with its multitude of glittering star-like petals and the 'Tenby' daffodil (Narcissus obvallaris).

“On a more domestic scale, miniature and species daffodils can be enjoyed in the alpine- and rock garden that forms Branklyn Garden, Perth. Here such species as the 15cm high hoop-petticoat daffodil Narcissus bulbocodium and N. cyclamineus, which hails from Spain and Portugal, may be seen. In fact many garden daffodils owe their fine form to this species, including the window-box favourite ‘Tête á Tete’, and the early flowering ‘February Gold’ and ‘Peeping Tom’.”

Other plantings of daffodils can be enjoyed this spring at Brodick Castle, Crathes Castle, Drum Castle, Geilston Garden, House of Dun, Haddo House, Harmony House, Inveresk Lodge, Inverewe Garden, Leith Hall and Fyvie Castle Gardens.

For more information on daffodils and National Trust for Scotland gardens please contact gardens@nts.org.uk
 

He outlines the purpose of the review, the progress so far and the four main areas upon which the review will concentrate.
www.nts.org.uk/Multimedia/  

The conservation charity is launching its Nature Nippers group which is designed to give preschool children the chance to explore nature and the outdoors. Newhailes already runs a similar programme of activities for older children, known as Nature Detectives.

Under the careful guidance of Lothian Area Ranger, Hannah Levene, children under five and their carers can explore the rich wildlife to be found at Newhailes, play nature-themed games and get creative with craft projects.

The group will meet on the first Wednesday of every month, and its activities will change as the seasons do. The first session (Wednesday 3 March, 10.00 until 11.00) focuses on spring and the way the natural world changes around this time of year.

In April, the Nippers will celebrate Easter by finding out about eggs and nests, while at the height of summer in July they’ll search the grounds for butterflies and bugs.

Hannah said:

“Getting out into nature is a great experience for young children. They learn so much about the world around them and get really excited about their latest discoveries – whether those are bugs, birds or bluebells. As a conservation charity, we hope that by nurturing children’s fascination with nature, we’ll establish an enthusiasm for the environment around them that will last a lifetime.”

As at least some of the group’s activities always take place outside, wellies and warm, waterproof clothes are a must and all children must to be accompanied by an adult.

Sessions run from 10:00 to 11:00 at the Newhailes Visitor Centre and cost £2. For more information, contact the property on 0844 493 2124 or email hlevene@nts.org.uk.

The full programme follows:
3 March – Spring
Explore what’s happening outdoors now that spring is on the way.

7 April – Eggstravaganza
Easter means eggs; find out about nesting time and do some Easter crafts.

5 May – Spectacular Senses
Explore Newhailes using all your senses.

2 June – Inveresk Pond dip
Venture to Inveresk Lodge Gardens to investigate what’s wriggling in the pond.

7 July – Butterflies and bugs
We’re going on a creepy-crawlie hunt!

4 August – Bats
Discover what’s on the wing when the sun goes down.

1 September – Magic Mammals
Look for evidence of Newhailes’ furry friends.

6 October – Autumn Art
Create your own masterpiece using natural materials.

3 November – Feed the birds
Make bird feeders to help our feathered friends through the winter.

1 December – Crafty Christmas
Make some decorations using recycled or natural materials.
 

On 27 March 2010 at 20.30, all round the world, lights will go off for one hour in homes, businesses, buildings and landmarks in a graphic demonstration of support for determined international action on climate change. Find out more and sign up online at www.wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour