A historic Aberdeenshire attraction has been brought back to life with a colourful modern makeover.
With its iconic yew hedges – some planted as early as 1702 – the rose garden at Crathes Castle has been a popular visitor spot for centuries.
It is one of eight landscaped “rooms” forming the castle’s internationally acclaimed walled garden.
But as its traditional design began to “look tired”, owners the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) decided it was high time for a new look.
A new era for Crathes Castle garden
Determined to preserve it for future generations, the conservation charity launched ambitious revamp plans to bring the rose garden into the 21st century.
Drawing inspiration from five millennia of history and art, it has now been reinvented to reflect the castle’s long-standing past and today’s modern ways.
James Hannaford, head gardener at Crathes Castle, said: “The rose garden was rejuvenated several times in the 20th century.
“But the designs and plantings still looked back to a formal Victorian format that looked tired.
“While the earlier designs had been classics of their time, the team at Crathes set themselves the challenge to reimagine the design for new generations.”
Designed to reflect past and future
At the heart of the rose garden now stands a carved granite reproduction of a ceremonial stone ball, dating back to the Neolithic age more than 4,500 years ago.
The centre piece is surrounded by eight flower beds, carefully positioned to replicate a Burnett rose in honour of the family that lived there for more than three centuries.
Meanwhile, the outer borders of the garden have been planted with lavender as a token of Banchory’s historic flower industry.
Four benches have also been placed at the centre of the garden, where visitors can sit down and soak in the atmosphere.
Chris Wardle, NTS’ gardens and designed landscapes manager for the north-east, hopes the garden will inspire visitors.
He said: “It’s taken many years of ideas and planning – and huge generosity from donors – to bring this garden to fruition.”
