The Tree Shop, Cairndow, Argyll, 01499 600263
www.scottishtrees.co.uk At the head of Loch Fyne, specialising in trees, rhododendrons and other plants. Many of the trees are grown in its own nursery a
t Ardkinglas and it also offers mail order. Its small café is expanding and the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is next door.
2 BONHARD NURSERYMurrayshall Road, Scone, Perth, 01738 552791
A charming small nursery and garden shop in a walled garden with old greenhouses, in the hills above Scone. Tiny café. The Hickman family know their plants.
3 BRIDGEND GARDEN CENTRELadybank Road, Freuchie, Fife, 01337 858293
www.bridgendgc.co.uk Small Fife garden centre famous for huge range of seed potatoes from Christmas onwards – up to 100 varieties. "Arran Victory, Argos, Ambo, Belle de Fontaney…" Also good for gravel, ceramic pots and greenhouses.
4 CARDWELL GARDEN CENTRELunderston Bay, By Gourock, Renfrewshire, 01475 521536
www.cardwellgardencentre.co.uk Run by the Gallagher family for more than 40 years, this is the largest centre on the west coast. It also has its own nursery. Charmingly chaotic, on a steep slope full of nooks and crannies. Lots more, including huge restaurant.
5 FLOORS CASTLE GARDEN CENTREnear Kelso (B6397), 01573 224 530
www.floorscastlegardencentre.co.uk In the wonderful walled garden at Floors Castle, with its spectacular fruit, vegetables, climbers and perennials. Good range of plants, it offers landscaping services and there is a fine café.
6 NEW HOPETOUN GARDENSNewton, West Lothian, 01506 834443
www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk Good range of plants, pots, stoneware, etc. "Avant Gardens" are small display gardens built each year, with a contemporary feel. Popular café/gift shop.
7 RAEMOIR GARDEN CENTRERaemoir Road, Banchory, 01330 825059
www.raemoirgardencentre.co.uk One of the best in the North-east, with a huge range of plants, gifts, extensive pet products and a restaurant well-known for miles and always busy.
8 SANDYHOLM GARDEN CENTRE (DOBBIES)Crossford, by Carluke, Lanarkshire, 01555 860205
www.sandyholmgardencentre.co.uk Winner of many awards, and sold to Dobbies/Tesco a few months ago, this is the largest garden centre in the Clyde Valley. Most of their plant area is under cover. Famous Christmas displays, popular café.
9 SKYE SHRUBS NURSERY AND GARDEN CENTREViewfield Road, Portree, Skye, 01478 613132
www.skyeshrubs.co.uk Probably the best source of plants on Skye and much of the plant material sold is grown at its own nursery. Great source of information on good plants for Skye. New native plant demonstration in garden next door.
10 TORWOOD GARDEN CENTREBellsdyke Road, Larbert, Stirlingshire, 01324 553152
www.torwoodgardencentre.co.uk Torwood is approached through Larbert under the M876, so finding it can be a challenge. Substantial plant area with impressive Japanese maples and David Austin roses, plus a fine range of water gardening and pet supplies.
• Ken Cox is the owner of Glendoick Garden Centre on the A90 Perth-Dundee Road. It can be contacted on 01738 860260 or at
www.glendoick.comThe full article contains 509 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
