I am delighted to add my welcome to the Friends of Crarae website. Crarae is an historically important and stunningly beautiful garden created in 1912 by Lady Grace Campbell, the aunt of plant hunter Reginald Farrer and enjoyed and developed by Sir George and then Sir Ilay Campbell into the magnificent designed landscape we recognise today. The National Trust for Scotland took it over in 2002. Since moving to Minard in 2012 I have had the pleasure of walking around the garden throughout the seasons and enjoyed it in sun, fog, rain and snow. There is always something happening and the garden is home not only to a magnificent collection of plants but also to a rich wildlife from deer to voles and from dippers to sea eagles. The Friends have contributed much to the success and pleasure of the Gardens and I look forward to helping the current committee to build on the great success of our predecessors who have contributed so much over the years. Most of all I look forward to seeing you at Crarae and sharing our enthusiasm for the many pleasures that it offers.
Dr John M Hall, Chairman - Friends of Crarae 2021 (chairman@friendsofcrarae.com)
Crarae Gardens are open to the public - please check NTS website for up to date information in case the weather forces closure for safety reasons.
Please note: 09:30 am - 5pm (last entry 4pm), open in winter-mode only - donations via the honesty box by the visitor centre entrance.
The cafe/centre sadly will not re-open this year. There will be a hand-sanitiser station on entry and a one-way entry/exit, the disabled toilet only will be open.
Nothofagus is a genus of around 35 species of trees and shrubs. The continents of South America, Africa, Antarctica and Australasia were at one time one great landmass called Gondwanaland. At this time, forest of southern beech extended right across the continent. Today, southern beeches occur as remnants of this former range in Australia, New Zealand and South America.
- Obtain a membership form - you can download one from our Contact Us page or fill out the Contact Form and we will send you one as you prefer by post or by email;
- Complete the membership form and elect to pay your annual £15 membership fee via cheque, bank transfer to the account details on the form, or set up a standing order and you will be provided with a membership card;
- Remember to bring your card with you each time you visit the gardens for free entry to Crarae Gardens.
Membership at the end of FY2020, was 160 Friends of Crarae.
Remember to check out the Monthly Gallery to follow progress of the gardens through the seasons, see if you can spot your favourite in full bloom!
Gardens open in Argyll and Bute
Please click on the link to view a list and interactive map of the 'Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute'.
The website includes information on Benmore and Linn Botanic Gardens, other National Trust Properties such as Arduaine and gardens at local attractions such as Inveraray Castle as well as private gardens which only open by appointment or for the Scottish Open Gardens Scheme or the Festival of Rhododendrons (1st April - 31st May).
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