The Croft
A steep one-acre plantsman's garden above the Clyde with acers, magnolias, tree ferns, palms and autumn colour.
This special one acre garden is on a steep rocky site facing north overlooking the Clyde just opposite Dumbarton Rock. There were mature elms when we arrived in 1981 which have been replaced with several varieties of birch and rowan, a flowering Davidia also Liriodendron (tulip tree) and a Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood). There are some magnolias and a good collection of acers, together with rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.
Around the waterfall tree ferns are happy, ferns in general enjoy the shady damp conditions. The Trachycarpus palms from the mountains of China also grow well. Some of the newly introduced bamboos with blue, black, golden and green culms (canes) are now over 25ft tall. In summer the hydrangeas take over, there is a wide selection including the Aspera section with their huge flowers and fuzzy leaves.
Autumn brings the reds, oranges and yellows on acers, rowan, Parrotia, Cercidiphyllum. There is a rushing stream (usually) four springs and several ponds. The garden is steep, there are steps/paved paths and it can be wet. Stout footwear and care is essential. Accès : From Langbank, take the Houston Road out of the village, under railway bridge and The Croft is 100 yards on the left (look out for conical yews). Organiser: Oliver Miller