Visit the stunning gardens at Aberdour Castle in Fife
The effort needed to carry out this work was a demonstration of power and strength by the Earls of Morton, long-time occupiers, who also added Renaissance flourishes to the building itself.
Since then, 400 years of cultivation have created the perfect conditions for today's gardens to flourish, and within the walled garden there are smooth lawns, deep borders filled with flowers, and climbing plants which smother the stones.
Behind the froth of spring growth is a framework of shrubs and trees that keeps the gardens interesting all year round, and at the moment early greens are appearing in the productive vegetable garden while, in the orchard, old Scottish apple trees are covered in blossom.
Aberdour (Image: Discover Gardens)
The atmosphere may be tranquil, but the rare beehive-shaped doocot, which is one of the earliest examples of its kind in Scotland, was once used not just for raising meat for the castle's kitchen, but also for providing the saltpetre necessary for producing gunpowder, a reminder of the defensive role that the castle once occupied.
Because of its status as one of the oldest castles in Scotland, Aberdour has been closely studied and over the years archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a millpond and vegetable plots from the days when the castle relied on its own resources for food.
Meanwhile, the herbs that are cultivated today, including camomile, lemon balm, catmint, rosemary, lavender, and Jerusalem sage, are a continuation of a long tradition of raising medicinal plants, a practice that dates back to the days when there was no access to doctors.
Aberdour is cared for by Historic and Environment Scotland, and other notable gardens under their protection are Elcho Castle in Perthshire, which has an orchard of traditional Scottish apples; Dryburgh Abbey in the Borders, home to one of the oldest yew trees in the country; and Dirleton Castle in East Lothian, where there are topiary yews and a beautiful flower garden in the Arts and Crafts style.
One of the most fascinating gardens cared for by HES lies around the ruins of Edzell Castle near Brechin, where a highly-stylised 17th-century walled garden is decorated with heraldic sculptures and panels.
Details
Aberdour Castle is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Tickets: £8.50/£6.80/£5/free (under 5) (Discounted prices are available online)
Tel: 01383 860519
marketing@hes-scot
www.historicenvironment.scot/aberdour-castle
There is reasonable wheelchair access to the site.
Aberdour Castle sits on the A921, five miles east of the Ferrytoll interchange with the M90.
In association with www.discoverscottishgardens.org.uk.
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