The garden at Ardtornish has been sculpted out of a rocky hillside and from every part boasts extensive views south-west along Loch Aline to the hills of the Isle of Mull.
Much of the garden is covered by native birch, alongside extensive planting of exotic species, under mature groups of larch, firs and pine, whose strong form & colour complement the pink sandstone towers and gables of Ardtornish House. The soil is acid, with a pH varying between 4.9 at the bottom & 5.6 at the top. The rainfall averages 85 inches.
The present site of Ardtornish House was chosen in 1856 by Octavius Smith, a distiller from London. The garden was laid out by his son, Valentine Smith and his successors.
Work in the Ardtornish Garden was recognised as good training for horticultural jobs. At one time there were 12 gardeners and one or two horses employed to maintain the grounds and the walled herbaceous and kitchen garden on a hillock south of the river Rannoch.
Planting in the garden was considerably extended by Owen and Emmeline Hugh Smith, who bought Ardtornish in 1930. Their successes included mixing species and hybrid rhododendrons with acer, hoheria, eucryphia, sorbus, berberis and species roses.
The families keen interest in the garden has been continued by their daughter Faith and her family. The number of different rhododendrons, for example, is now about 200.
There is an admission charge of £5 per adult to help towards the upkeep of the gardens. Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead.
John Turner, Senior Gardener
With 20 years experience across horticulture, conservation, Landscaping and high quality restorations projects, John has a keen eye for detail, passion and drive. John uses his experience to further the restoration of both Ardtornish House Gardens and Kitchen Garden.
Ardtornish Gardeners’ 1900’s
