A NUMBER of gardens in Helensburgh and Lomond are set to take part in a nationwide celebration of Scotland’s ‘second national flower’, the rhododendron.

The Scottish Rhododendron Festival, organised by Discover Scottish Gardens and supported by VisitScotland has begun and will run until May 31.

The festival will include public gardens, castle grounds and estates from Dumfries and Galloway up to the Highlands.

A host of gardens in Argyll and Bute, including Glenarn, Geilston, Ross Priory, Inveraray Castle, Linn Botanic Gardens and Kilarden are among those taking part.

The festival was launched by Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute in 2015. After a successful first year, Discover Scottish Gardens extended the festival across the country and, in 2017, nearly 60 Scottish sites, including public and private gardens, are taking part.

Participants will be offering horticultural events, guided tours and exclusive openings in celebration of this exotic Asian spring shrub that thrives so well in Scotland.

David Adams McGilp, regional director at VisitScotland, said: “Given the enormous popularity of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival over the last decade, it is only natural that our magnificent public gardens should celebrate the rhododendron.

“We hope people of all ages will be inspired to get out and about to enjoy these colourful, vibrant flowers around some of Argyll’s most stunning gardens.

“Many of the Scottish Rhododendron Festival locations are within the grounds of some of Scotland’s most historic buildings. Such buildings are a perfect fit for Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

“From World Heritage sites to ancient monuments, cultural traditions to our myths, stories and legends, the year-long programme will shine the spotlight on our greatest assets and icons, as well as our hidden gems.”

Kenneth Cox, gardener, plant hunter and rhododendron specialist at Glendoick Gardens in Perth, said: “This year’s rhododendron season is off to a great start with many gardens full of rhododendron colour already. Some might say the rhododendron is Scotland’s second national flower. Although they don’t originate in Scotland, rhododendrons are very much at home here. In fact Scotland is one of the places where woodland gardening with rhododendrons was invented. Hundreds of spectacular species thrive here and create stunning displays.”

Glenarn Garden in Rhu is open for visitors to admire the 40 different rhododendrons everyday from dawn until dusk. They are also hosting a special guided walk, led by owners Mike and Sue Thornley on Saturday, April 29 at 2.30pm to look at the plants introduced to the garden by the Gibson family from 1927 to 1975.

Details at discoverscottishgardens.org.