Cally Gardens and NurseryLocation: Gatehouse of Fleet, near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway. Follow signs for Cally Palace Hotel.
Opening times: Apr-Sept (Tues-Fri, afternoons only, Sat/Sun 10-5)
Admission: £2.50, children free. Season ticket £6.
Owner: Michael Wickenden (Nurseryman and noted planthunter)
Facilities: None, but nearby in Gatehouse of Flee there are coffee shops, art galleries and the Mill Centre (which has an extensive 2nd bookshop stacked –literally – with, inter alia, botanical/gardening books). In summer 2011 there is a photo-exhibition of Michael Wickenden’s travels across the globe searching out plants.
Gardens: Approx 3 acre walled garden containing a wondrous selection of plants (over 3500 labelled) containing the rare and unusual. The extensive sales area and greenhouses complement the gardens.
Information: free garden maps; plant catalogue (£1); mail order available; Michael is a vociferous opponent of Plant Breeders’ Rights.
Contact details:
www.callygardens.co.ukTelephone: 01557 815029
Email:
info@callygardens.co.uk Henderson Rating: Garden design interest 3/5, Plant interest
4.7/5(in my opinion this nursery is one of the top two plant nurseries in Scotland for interesting plants).
The grounds outside the garden are also worth exploring (old oak woodlands).
Handy for exploring other nurseries in the locality such as Elizabeth MacGregor’s Nursery (Kirkcudbright, well presented plants), Buckland Plants (Whinnieliggate,
www.bucklandplants.co.uk great for advice), Bayview nursery (Wigtown,
www.bayviewnursery.co.uk goodish plants at reasonable prices), Elmlea nursery (for cottage plants at Newton Stewart,
moiradavies@yahoo.co.uk, charming nursery) and Galloway plants (Whithorn,
www.gallowayplants.co.uk, windswept yet interesting!)
and some random photographs...
