The gardens in Argyll which have been described as “Scotland’s Himalayas” were gifted to the Trust in 2002 by the Crarae Garden Charitable Trust, following a successful £1.5 million appeal. Crarae has one of the most extensive fern populations in the UK, ranging from huge golden scaled male ferns, to the tiny filmy ferns, growing alongside introduced species such as the magnificent Tasmanian tree fern, Dicksonia antarctica. One of the finest gardens in Scotland for autumn colour. A huge variety of maples, birches and rowans from around the world provide an unparalleled display in September and October. Lesser known plants such as Disanthus cercidifolius ensure that the shrub layer is just spectacular. It’s a magical spot at any time of year, with the earlier flowers of countless rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias being replaced later in the season by the rich tints of foliage and fruit. Includes a National Collection of Nothofagus.