Leckmelm Gardens

Discover Leckmelm Gardens: A Highland Haven of Horticultural Wonders

Just a short drive from the fishing village of Ullapool, Leckmelm Gardens offers a tranquil escape into a world where exotic trees and tender plants flourish against the backdrop of the stunning Scottish Highlands. With its roots stretching back to the Victorian era, this woodland garden is a testament to the unique climate of Scotland’s West Coast, which nurtures a rich variety of flora.

A Garden with History and Charm

Leckmelm Gardens, lovingly planted from around 1870 to 1930, echoes the horticultural spirit of the famed gardens at Inverewe, crafted by Osgood Mackenzie. Situated along the North shore of Loch Broom and facing the southwest, the gardens offer expansive views across the loch, making it a perfect spot for those who seek beauty and serenity.

Architectural Wonders Amidst Natural Beauty

Among its many attractions, the Leckmelm Walled Garden stands out. Constructed post-1875, what remains today is the high north wall, once accompanied by glasshouse ranges and potting sheds, now a memory of its productive past. The south wall, with its unusual sinuous alignment, is crowned with an iron trellis, framing the picturesque views in and out of the garden.

Pathways Through Time

A web of paths invites visitors to wander through the Woodland Garden, each turn revealing a new vista or a rare specimen plant. Edged with boulders or ferns, these trails offer an intimate experience with the garden’s diverse collection, from the majestic weeping beech to the exotic allure of rhododendrons and specimen conifers.

A Living Collection

Leckmelm Gardens is home to an outstanding horticultural collection, boasting not only a variety of rhododendrons but also champion trees like the Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Wisselia’ and a multi-stemmed Thujopsis dolabrata. The warm temperate climate, enriched by the Gulf Stream, allows these exotic and tender plants to thrive, creating a lush paradise for garden enthusiasts.

The Leckmelm Garden Experience

Open daily from April to October, Leckmelm Gardens invites visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty and tranquillity. Whether you are drawn to the artistry of its layout, the history of its plantings, or simply the peace that comes from a walk in nature, Leckmelm offers something for everyone.

A Journey Through Time

Leckmelm’s history is as rich and varied as its plant life, from its early days as the site of a historic battle to its transformation in the Victorian era into a garden of note. The vision and dedication of the Troughton family since the 1980s have seen the garden restored and rejuvenated, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to enjoy.

A Garden for All Seasons

The diverse plantings and careful design of Leckmelm Gardens ensure year-round interest, from the springtime bloom of rhododendrons to the fiery colours of autumn foliage. Each visit offers a new perspective, a different light, and a fresh experience.

Discover Leckmelm Gardens, where history, horticulture, and the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands converge. Here, amidst the exotic and the native, the past and the present, visitors find a peaceful haven, a source of inspiration, and a place of connection to the natural world.