Haddo House Terrace Garden, National Trust for Scotland, Methlick, AB41 7EQ

IN the care of conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, the terrace garden at Haddo House, Aberdeenshire is known for its lavish herbaceous border and geometric flower beds.

The Italian renaissance-inspired terrace garden has recently undergone a large restoration project to return it to the glory of its depicted formal design in James Giles paintings circa 1840-50. Post World War I & II saw the unfortunate deterioration of the gardens pristine nature to facilitate the growing of produce. Re-instating the geometric designed beds back to their roots means visitors can now view the splendour of the terrace as originally intended.

A magnificent spring and summer display consisting of annual bedding, bulbs, trees and perennials bring it back truer to its Victorian roots. The steps of the William Adam designed house and historic fountain share a central axis with the impressive Scots mile that runs through the terrace, the lime tree avenue and across the country park.

A large herbaceous border runs parallel to Lady Aberdeen’s once private garden that harbours a rose lined entrance and instils a secret garden feel. Borders wrap around the south wing and chapel of the house. Ensconcing the terrace are Royal specimen trees such as Sequoiadendron giganteum planted in 1857 by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as well as a Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea planted by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in 1953.

An adjacent woodland area to the south features a fernery including Canadian specimens and an ash tree planted in 1682 by George, the first Earl of Aberdeen. The garden is a year-round delight for public to enjoy any time for free.

The garden is open all year, daily from 9am until dusk. Plan your visit today at nts.org.uk

Website: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/haddo-house

Telephone: 01651 851440

Opening times: Garden open 24/7 all year round

Admission costs: Free

Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org