Synopsis
Attadale Gardens is an enchanting spot on the banks of Lochcarron in the Scottish Highlands with views to the Isle of Skye. Twenty acres, planted with many varieties of Rhododendron, Conifers and Specimen trees are protected by the surrounding steep hills and cliffs. Paths wind past water gardens, a sunken rock garden, a Japanese garden, a collection of tender ferns housed in a geodesic dome, a woodland area and quirky sculptures of birds and animals. Amidst all of this is the romantic turreted mansion house built in 1755 which can be seen from a high viewing point built behind the house. In spring, brightly coloured Rhododendrons are in flower, Acer foliage is coming into leaf and wildflowers are scattered about.
Devastating storms almost completely destroyed the existing gardens in the 1980's but after the clean-up, long lost paths and steps were uncovered. Nicky Macpherson, wife of the owner and an artist born in South Africa took on the job of restoring the gardens with the advice of expert gardeners, Michael Innes, garden advisor to the National Trust of Scotland and Professor Douglas Henderson who was in charge of Inverewe Gardens. They and various others helped plan the new design and planting. A mill stream running along the main drive was converted to a water garden with separate small ponds planted with Gunnera manicata and Lysichton americanus and a small waterfall was created. Graceful arched wooden bridges span the stream and reflective ponds. A sunken garden of tree ferns was created from an old field drain. There is formal flowerbed in the sunken garden in front of the house. In the Old Wood there is a row of rustic chairs made from tree trunks facing a picturesque view of Lochcarron and the surrounding hills. The idea of the newly re-developed garden was for the design to look like part of the natural landscape.
The garden is now owned and run by the very energetic Joanna Macpherson, the daughter of Nicky MacPherson.
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