News > Spring festival to celebrate one of Scotland’s most dramatic gardens
Spring festival to celebrate one of Scotland’s most dramatic gardens
08/03/2010
The unique charms of the National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine Garden, near Oban and the beauty of springtime in Argyll will be celebrated in a special festival this April.
The unique charms of the National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine Garden, near Oban and the beauty of springtime in Argyll will be celebrated in a special festival this April.
Horticultural enthusiasts will be treated to an expert, behind the scenes view of the stunning garden and its world-leading plant collections, as well as the chance to learn more about Argyll’s natural and cultural history.
Organised in conjunction with the Loch Melfort Hotel, the Spring in Argyll Arduaine Spring Festival runs from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 April.
Gardening personality Jim McColl (BBC Scotland Beechgrove Garden), David Mitchell of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Sharon Webb of the Kilmartin Museum and National Trust for Scotland wildlife expert Mr Lindsay Mackinlay will all share their expert knowledge with attendees keen to learn more about the flora and fauna of Argyll.
One of the highlights of the weekend will be a special tour of Arduaine Gardens by head gardener, Maurice Wilkins.
Maurice said:
“Arduaine Garden is one of Scotland’s best in the springtime. Thanks to our location, we are often preparing to burst into bloom, when other gardens are still stuck in winter. In April, there will be much to enjoy in the garden – the spring bulbs will be in full swing, our world famous rhododendrons will be beginning to flower and new fronds will be appearing on our ferns too.”
As well as the packed programme of heritage focused events, guests will also dine and relax in the wonderful surroundings of the Loch Melfort Hotel. The hotel’s proprietors pride themselves on offering the very best in service, tranquil accommodation, tasteful decor and a gourmet dining experience – the restaurant has been awarded two Rosettes by the AA every year since 2000.
Calum Ross, owner of the Loch Melfort Hotel said:
“Spring in Argyll is a wonderful time and the Loch Melfort Hotel’s location is the best place to experience it. We’re right on the doorstep of Arduaine, as the first spring blooms emerge and on the shores of Askinsh Bay – a haven for the wildlife that will be awakening from its winter slumber. We hope you will join us to explore and celebrate Argyll’s beauty and history this springtime.”
The full programme is attached:
There are a range of options starting from £225 per person to include all accommodation, meals and a selection of events. Day rates and tours are also available. Some proceeds from the event will benefit the National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine Garden.
For more information, visit www.nts.org.uk. To book, contact 0844 493 2100.
FULL PROGRAMME:
Friday 16 April
18.45 – 19.30: Pre Dinner Drinks Reception
19.30 – 21.30: Dinner at Loch Melfort Hotel
21.30: ‘The Scots Gardener and the Spring’
Talk by Jim McColl MBE (BBC Beechgrove Garden)
10.30 – 01.00: Informal Scottish Music Night
Saturday 17 April
10.00 – 11.00: ‘The Garden Treasures of Argyll’ - Talk by David Mitchell (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh)
11.30 – 12.30: ‘Spring in the Landscape Argyll - Ancient Land of Light and Life’ - Talk by Sharon Webb (Kilmartin Museum)
Light Lunch at Loch Melfort Hotel
Afternoon: Unique Arduaine Garden Tour led by Maurice Wilkins, Head Gardener - The National Trust for Scotland
Max 15 people per tour
Possible visit Kilmartin Museum (own transport)
19.30 – 22.00: ‘Spring on a Plate’
5 course gourmet dinner in the Loch Melfort Hotel’s 2 AA Rosette Arduaine Restaurant celebrating the best of Argyll and Scotland’s spring produces.
Sunday 18 April
10.00 – 11.00 - 'Call of the Wild: Argyll's Rich Wildlife Heritage’
Talk by Lindsay Mackinlay, The National Trust for Scotland
11.00 – 12.00 - Informal Question Time:
Jim McColl MBE
David Mitchell
Lindsay Mackinlay
Horticultural enthusiasts will be treated to an expert, behind the scenes view of the stunning garden and its world-leading plant collections, as well as the chance to learn more about Argyll’s natural and cultural history.
Organised in conjunction with the Loch Melfort Hotel, the Spring in Argyll Arduaine Spring Festival runs from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 April.
Gardening personality Jim McColl (BBC Scotland Beechgrove Garden), David Mitchell of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Sharon Webb of the Kilmartin Museum and National Trust for Scotland wildlife expert Mr Lindsay Mackinlay will all share their expert knowledge with attendees keen to learn more about the flora and fauna of Argyll.
One of the highlights of the weekend will be a special tour of Arduaine Gardens by head gardener, Maurice Wilkins.
Maurice said:
“Arduaine Garden is one of Scotland’s best in the springtime. Thanks to our location, we are often preparing to burst into bloom, when other gardens are still stuck in winter. In April, there will be much to enjoy in the garden – the spring bulbs will be in full swing, our world famous rhododendrons will be beginning to flower and new fronds will be appearing on our ferns too.”
As well as the packed programme of heritage focused events, guests will also dine and relax in the wonderful surroundings of the Loch Melfort Hotel. The hotel’s proprietors pride themselves on offering the very best in service, tranquil accommodation, tasteful decor and a gourmet dining experience – the restaurant has been awarded two Rosettes by the AA every year since 2000.
Calum Ross, owner of the Loch Melfort Hotel said:
“Spring in Argyll is a wonderful time and the Loch Melfort Hotel’s location is the best place to experience it. We’re right on the doorstep of Arduaine, as the first spring blooms emerge and on the shores of Askinsh Bay – a haven for the wildlife that will be awakening from its winter slumber. We hope you will join us to explore and celebrate Argyll’s beauty and history this springtime.”
The full programme is attached:
There are a range of options starting from £225 per person to include all accommodation, meals and a selection of events. Day rates and tours are also available. Some proceeds from the event will benefit the National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine Garden.
For more information, visit www.nts.org.uk. To book, contact 0844 493 2100.
FULL PROGRAMME:
Friday 16 April
18.45 – 19.30: Pre Dinner Drinks Reception
19.30 – 21.30: Dinner at Loch Melfort Hotel
21.30: ‘The Scots Gardener and the Spring’
Talk by Jim McColl MBE (BBC Beechgrove Garden)
10.30 – 01.00: Informal Scottish Music Night
Saturday 17 April
10.00 – 11.00: ‘The Garden Treasures of Argyll’ - Talk by David Mitchell (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh)
11.30 – 12.30: ‘Spring in the Landscape Argyll - Ancient Land of Light and Life’ - Talk by Sharon Webb (Kilmartin Museum)
Light Lunch at Loch Melfort Hotel
Afternoon: Unique Arduaine Garden Tour led by Maurice Wilkins, Head Gardener - The National Trust for Scotland
Max 15 people per tour
Possible visit Kilmartin Museum (own transport)
19.30 – 22.00: ‘Spring on a Plate’
5 course gourmet dinner in the Loch Melfort Hotel’s 2 AA Rosette Arduaine Restaurant celebrating the best of Argyll and Scotland’s spring produces.
Sunday 18 April
10.00 – 11.00 - 'Call of the Wild: Argyll's Rich Wildlife Heritage’
Talk by Lindsay Mackinlay, The National Trust for Scotland
11.00 – 12.00 - Informal Question Time:
Jim McColl MBE
David Mitchell
Lindsay Mackinlay
