My Visit to Dumfries House Gardens

Uff

First of all, I'd like to make it clear that I'm not advertising the gardens for financial gain for the Trust because there isn't a charge to enter the woodland, gardens, playpark, arboretum etc. Anyone can spend all day every day there if they wish.

This is copied from the website,

''Dumfries House remained a family home from 1760-1993, when the last full-time occupant, Lady Eileen, Dowager Marchioness of Bute, passed away. The house remained in the hands of the 7th Marquess of Bute who ensured that it was maintained, although not used as a primary residence.

The house was subsequently offered for sale and two auctions dates were set aside in July 2007. However, a consortium led by HRH The Prince of Wales succeeded in purchasing the house and contents and, in doing so, saved Dumfries House and one of the most important collections of Georgian Scottish and English furniture for the nation.''

The area around Cumnock was mainly a mining area and when the mines closed unemployment became a huge problem, according to a volunteer that I spoke to last summer, only about 240 local people are employed on the estate but the knock on effect of restoring the house and garden has been an enormous benefit that cannot be underestimated to local people and the area in general. I'll tell more about it as we go on but a few pics first and a question please. Does anyone know what the flower is in the fourth pic? Note the huge trunk on the tree of the second pic. Cedar?

Liriodendron

Is it three-cornered leek, Allium triquetrum?  Flowers almost over...

Topbird

Sorry Uff - can't help with the plant ID, but I would like to say how much I enjoyed visiting Dumfries Hse 3 or 4 years ago. Had a lovely lunch in the cafe, a nice wander round the grounds and a guided tour of the house which had some spectacular furniture. Lovely day out.

AnniD

Hope you enjoyed the day @Uff

Dovefromabove

Looks like Allium triquetrum to me too.  A flamin nuisance in this garden. In five years it’s gone from nothing to swamping three beds despite us constantly pulling it out 😡 
That tree is wonderful. The lunch was good too … thanks @Uff 🙏 

Uff

Just Googled the three cornered leek and it isn't that. Someone was just behind me and I daren't put my foot on the bed.

I'm pleased you enjoyed your visit Topbird, the last time that I went round the house was 2019, in December when it was decorated for Christmas. It was beautiful and that's coming from a miserable old sod that likes Christmas out of the way asap.

There are several trees like that Dove and they never cease to amaze me. 
Yes I did enjoy my trip thank you AnniD. I'm so pleased that you and Dove suggested that I leave the pruning until tomorrow. It's amazing how a nice garden takes your mind off things.

The second pic is the self catering accomodation that looks very swish indeed. 
The third pic reminded me of Hostafan and our Monty of course.
The fourth pic is one of the doocots. 

BlueBirder

@Uff is your plant Few-flowered Garlic? Allium paradoxum. 

Uff

Oh well done BlueBirder. Yes it is. Just Googled and here it is. Better than my pic. Thank you.

Uff

Four more pics and then lunch Dove, in the stableyard cafe. And then, spoiler alert!
I didn't notice at the time but if you're sharp eyed you might see a pic of me, well the best one that's ever likely to appear on these hallowed pages.

BlueBirder

@Uff I found some growing near where I live and was baffled by it for a while, so it's stuck in my head now! Some beautiful pictures of the gardens. 

I'm just west of Glasgow, and would love some garden recommendations. Need to be accessible on public transport as alas I don't drive. 

Uff

Fairygirl do you have any recommendations for BlueBirder? 
Have you been to Pollock House BlueBirder and how about the Burrell Collection and woodland now that it's reopened again?