Branklyn Garden
Branklyn Garden is one of my favourite National Trust gardens in Perth, Scotland. While it is not a large garden it certainly packs a lot into a small space and the use of planting and plant association is excellent.
If you are a member of the National Trust entrance to the garden is free otherwise there is an entrance charge to the gardens, we would recommend that you become a member and this will provide free access to many properties and gardens while also supporting the work of the National Trust.
Branklyn Garden page on the NTS website.
Branklyn has created intimate areas using planting, in this case there is also a rustic seat where you can sit and relax while enjoying the garden.
Raised areas are used to grow alpine and scree loving plants as well as having stone troughs full of rock garden plants.
Hostas are herbaceous plants grown mainly for their ornamental foliage although the flowers are interesting as well.
Lilies are loved for their flowers and the woodland areas in Branklyn allow for sheltered areas that are ideal for them to grow.
Rock garden and alpines are grown in stone troughs and in tufa, a naturally occurring limestone rock.
The use of dense planting and hidden places make Branklyn an excellent example of how to use plants and landscaping to make the best of a small space and while this garden is probably larger than most people's private gardens the same principals can be applied to creating interest and focus within the garden.
Prunus serrula has wonderful glossy red-brown bark that has a very attractive shiny texture that is very difficult not to touch! it is one of my favourite small trees and was introduced from China in 1908 by E.H. Wilson.
Branklyn has a small plant sales section where you can find some unusual plants probably not available in your local garden centre. It is also a good way to support the garden.