Weather in Pitlochry

Laid out over 6 acres, next to Pitlochry’s famous Festival Theatre, the Explorers Garden is a wonderful woodland garden which celebrates the stories and results of Scottish Plant Hunters. It’s a haven of peace and quiet after the bustle of the town. Divided into glades and zones that represent different parts of the world, connected by winding pathways and surprising spaces, you can follow in the footstep of the Scottish Plant Hunters and journey around the world in a single afternoon!

In addition to its extensive collection of trees, shrubs, exotic flowers and resident wildlife, the garden is also home to some art installations and architectural features. Wander along to the David Douglas Pavilion, a dramatic “look-out” constructed from a multitude of different woods, and take in the view, far down below you, of the burn and of plants from all over the world! Walk through the Moongate, an almost circular “arch” made of stone and oak and on to the Mela viewpoint.

During this Summer, the garden will host China Uncovered, a photographic exhibition featuring 64 rare and usual botanical, cultural and landscape images (entrance is free with your Garden ticket). Making the most of it’s beautiful setting, Explorers also plays host to many other activities including workshops, horticultural masterclasses and, last autumn, the whole garden was floodlit at night for three weeks during the Enchanted Forest, an annual favourite on the Pitlochry calendar.

The paths throughout the garden are well-maintained and wheelchair accessible, and interpretation boards offer fascinating information about the plants and some of the world’s most famous plant hunters, many of whom were Scottish.

Staffed largely by a dedicated team of knowledgeable volunteers, Explorers Garden is open from the beginning of March until early November.

A wide selection of unusual plants is available (in season) from the kiosk at the entrance to the garden, or outside the main theatre entrance.

For further information, log onto: www.explorersgarden.com