ABOUT
Glenborrodale Nursery is located on the Ardnamurchan peninsula overlooking the small island of Carna. Take a stroll around the twisting pathways to the top of the site and on a clear day, you'll enjoy views across Loch Sunart towards Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
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From euphorbia to tulips, roses, primula and hosta; camelia, azalea, aquilegia and pulmonaria, there are all sorts available to purchase from the Nursery, some of which you might be surprised to discover in this location. Whether you are looking for a statement tree or an unusual shrub, you are sure to find something exciting to take home to your own plot.
Gill and Martin purchased the site 25 years ago and immediately set about clearing the invasive rhododendron ponticum which dominated this part of the west coast of Scotland. Having spent 13 years on the island of Carna, living virtually off-grid, Gill and Martin were ready to establish a comfortable home for their young family. Whilst Martin concentrated on building the family home, Gill continued clearing the site and started to develop the foundation for the wonderful south-facing garden you see today, set within the areas temperate oak rain forest.
A small selection of mainly seasonal plants is usually on display for sale in the large car park at the entrance to the property, on the B8007 road from Salen to Kilchoan, giving a mere taste of what is on offer in and around the raised beds, polytunnels and greenhouses up above, on this hillside site. Gill is usually on hand to provide information, advice and recommendations and can help you make the best selection for your own soil and climate.
The garden has broom and clematis in abundance, along with azaleas and rhododendron which thrive so well in the area. A few more unusual for the setting benefit from the basin-shaped site and sheltered micro-climate, including tree fern, rambling roses, and the ever popular giant gunnera. Spring bulbs and primulas dominate during April and May, while a lovely flame tree can be appreciated in June, along with roses and clematis. Later flowering perennials, along with buddleia and dahlias give a display during the late summer months and into autumn. Gill grows a range of salad and vegetable plants each year, which can be bought in Spring when available.
Orders and specific requests can be taken for plants which you would like grown and hardened off for use in your own garden - please contact Gill any time up to mid April.
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Fresh vegetables and herbs grown on site may be available in season and orders can be taken for regular collection.
The west coast of Scotland is known as a haven for wildlife, and Gill and her team at Glenborrodale Nursery work hard to encourage those visitors on site. Eagles, osprey, hen harriers and sparrowhawk have all been spotted in the Glenborrodale area, in addition to pinemarten, red deer and red squirrel on the ground, and dolphins, porpoise, otters and whale out to sea. Amateur entomologists and junior pond-watchers may also be rewarded with sight of bees and butterflies, dragon– and damsel-flies and a variety of pond dwellers on site.
Whether you have a passion for hostas or astilbe, a penchant for asters or iris, are looking for deutzia, pierris or epimediums to take home, or simply enjoy a leisurely amble around somebody else’s nurtured plot, you will be welcomed at Glenborrodale.
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