I was actually concerned about the weather for this trip, we have had rain for the past few days but we were extremely lucky (As always) because the sun wasn't going to let us down today! As always we were met by a cheerful Steven and Helen who were ready to take us on our bus trip for the day. Once again we had varied locations to collect people...I really want to emphasise that despite the fact these bus trips begin in the Glenkens - they are more than happy to collect people in Castle Douglas which they do in every trip.
The first location of the day was the hidden gem of the Machars - Craichlaw House and Gardens. A truly beautiful location where a lot of hard work has been put in. There was various beauty spots throughout but probably the most spectacular was the walk around the loch that they have. A true hidden beauty that needs to be shared and spoken about so that more are encouraged to visit.
The owners were very welcoming offering cups of tea and coffee on our arrival and they had the most adorable dog called Nora. I did try to get her picture for the blog but she wouldn't stay still long enough for me to get a decent picture!
It was so peaceful in the beauty of Craichlaw; it was so inspiring that all I wanted to do was take a chair and sit there for the day writing. I really hope that the Garden's of Excellence will visit again but maybe in August so we can see the garden in the full bloom.
After a delicious lunch in the Isle of Whithorn Community Cafe - they do food that is quality and there wasn't a long wait for the food despite it being freshly cooked!; We visited Woodfell Gardens which was part of the Open Scotland Garden.
Does anyone remember the movie The Secret Garden? I felt I had literally walked into the movie by stepping into Woodfell. The wild beauty of the three walled gardens was alive with nature. You listened to the birds singing, the flowers were out in bloom it truly just felt magical. Like you were in the movie itself.
I could have spent hours in the gardens but sadly there just wasn't the time. I did manage to get some plants at some amazing prices - the cheapest location yet for plants. After a cup of tea and a scone it was time to sadly head home.
My garden will hopefully look like this one day!
Thank you so much to the GTI for giving us two amazing locations to visit!
The next blog will be the Isle of Arran Trip and there is another gardens of excellence tour next month to Peebles so you have those posts to look forward to.
For now,
I wish you all health and happiness.
Miss A.