NEW VIEWPOINT! - an incredible seascape not to be missed! Due to the successful growth of our shelterbelt trees, the panorama from the old viewpoint was gradually becoming obscured so in 2006 we constructed a new and better coastal viewpoint on the cliff-top, looking westwards over the nearby islands towards America. No, I didn't say that you could see America!
We have also created a hillside path through the west and
north shelterbelts coming down through our hidden tree-fern gully.
Rather steep and only for the sprightly!
The garden did well at the Scottish Rhododendron Society annual show in Oban in 2006, winning three cups - the Sir John Stirling Maxwell Trophy for the best species in the show (Rhododendron leptothrium), the Scottish Rhododendron Society Cup for the best hybrid in the show (Rhododendron 'Anne Teese') and the Argyll and Bute Trophy for the most points from a garden in Argyll and Bute. We were unable to show in 2007.
Unfortunately we have had recent confirmation of the presence in the
garden of Phytophthora
ramorum, or Sudden Oak Death as it's known in
the US. This is a potentially serious fungal-like pathogen which
attacks a number of plants, trees and shrubs particularly. We're
working with the Scottish Government to control this disease and we
would ask visitors to help too by keeping to paths and by refraining
from taking plant material out of the garden. The garden is still open
and looks as beautiful as ever.
Meanwhile the planting continues and developments and improvements go
on and we hope to see many of you in the garden next year. Every time
you visit, something will be different; nothing ever stands
still in this garden - unless you count the visitors at the
viewpoint!
Visitors enjoying the view
photo courtesy The Oban Times
Copyright © 2006 The National Trust for Scotland
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