Arduaine Garden is known as Scotland's 'secret garden', with 20 acres of spectacular azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons, Blue Tibetan poppies, Himalayan lilies and other temperate zone plants from around the world.
The garden location on the southern slope of a hillside looking towards the Sound of Jura benefits from the warming influence of the North Atlantic Drift, offering rare and tender plants from East Asia and South America a climate in which to thrive. There are tree ferns and palm trees to add a sense of the exotic.
Autumn colours are enhanced by tall larch trees which turn a golden yellow as the weather gets colder. Even in winter, the climate is temperate and shelter provided by evergreens makes Arduaine a welcoming place even in the middle of winter.
Highlights include displays of bluebells in spring, lush pink azaleas in summer, Chatham Island forget-me-nots, and quiet pools reached by winding paths. There are excellent views across the Sound of Jura from a cliff top viewpoint.
The gardens stand beside Loch Melford Hotel, which was originally Arduaine House.
About Arduaine Garden
Address: Arduaine, Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, PA34 4XQ
Attraction Type: Garden
Location: on A816
Website: Arduaine Garden
National Trust for Scotland
Location map
OS: NM802 101
Photo Credit: Chris Heaton, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Kintraw Standing Stone - 3.5 miles (Prehistoric Site) 
Bridge over the Atlantic - 6.1 miles (Historic Building)
Carnasserie Castle - 6.1 miles (Castle)
Kilmartin Museum - 6.9 miles (Museum)
Kilmartin Sculptured Stones - 7.1 miles (Historic Church) 
Kilmartin Crosses - 7.1 miles (Historic Church)
Glebe Cairn - 7.2 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nether Largie Cairns - 7.5 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Arduaine Garden:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Arduaine Garden. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
