DISCOVER, ENGAGE & RELAX
A peaceful sanctuary within a protective environment.
Welcome to the Walled Garden at Backhouse Rossie, a space over ten years in the making and continually evolving. Inspired by the themes of Art & Science, this garden is one of only nine private gardens in Scotland to hold Partner Garden Status from The Royal Horticultural Society.
The garden proudly houses part of the National Collection of Backhouse Narcissus, a unique collection of rare daffodils bred by three generations of the Backhouse family between the mid-1800s and mid-1900s.
As we open the Gardens each year in spring, the garden comes alive with a stunning display of bulbs, including Galanthus, Narcissus, and Tulips, alongside the delicate blossoms of fruit trees. You’ll also find Auricula, Iris, and the heaths and heathers introduced by Backhouse, as well as Alpine plants in our Scree and Rock garden.
Explore through the Seasons
SPRING – THE NATIONAL COLLECTION BACKHOUSE DAFFODILS
In spring, discover the stunning daffodils of the Backhouse family legacy. Admire the majestic ‘Emperor’ and ‘Empress’ daffodils, bred by William Backhouse, the founder of the daffodil dynasty. You’ll also find the famous ‘Mrs RO Backhouse’, named for Sarah Backhouse, a beloved pink variety that has been the most widely grown for over 90 years, and ‘Glowing Phoenix’, a showy double daffodil bred by her husband, RO Backhouse. Their son, William Ormston Backhouse, is also remembered for the first red trumpet variety in Division 1. The beautiful sparkling white ‘Niveth’, raised by Henry Backhouse, completes the collection. These heritage daffodils are a cherished part of the garden here at Backhouse Centre, Rossie Estate, and we confess, we sometimes talk to them too! We hope you’ll fall in love with them just as much.
SUMMER
As summer unfolds, the garden is filled with vibrant herbaceous borders, colourful perennials, rare plants, and grasses. Explore the potager with cut flowers, soft fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Scented roses scramble over archways along the DNA Pathway, while Lilium and Dianthus bloom nearby. Newly planted Alliums surround the grass labyrinth, and the tranquil water feature complements the glass house and shady borders. Wander through the shrubbery walk and enjoy the vibrant summer-flowering heaths and heathers.
AUTUMN
“Few people have worked so hard on their garden as you have especially in terms of introducing so much variety”
Garden Features
The Walled Garden spans 1.25 acres and features restored, working glasshouses that bring a sense of history and functionality to the space. Throughout the garden, you’ll encounter a variety of interesting and historical features, including:
- Restored working cold frames with lights
- Cobble-lined pathways that circle the perimeter
- Restored wrought iron gate
- Reclaimed stone slabs and cobbles
- A charming original potting shed
- Repaired stone walls and coping stones
- New support wires for fruit trees and climbing roses
The entrance to the Walled Garden is marked by its marriage stone lintel, with a Latin inscription on the reverse, framed by an aged oak door that has weathered to a silvered finish.
The garden follows a classical four-quarter design, divided by long, yew-backed herbaceous borders, planted north to south with colourful plantings, grasses, and rarities. Running east to west, the garden features the longest uninterrupted rose archway in Scotland, with roses scrambling over arches above the DNA pathway (designed as a double helix), leading to the centromere sculpture where the borders and pathways intersect.
N.E. Quarter – A medieval-style grass labyrinth, surrounded by Allium plantings (flowering May/June).
S.E. Quarter – A formal pond with biodynamic flow, a rill, and an old pump water feature.
N.W. Quarter – A parterre featuring herbs, vegetables, cut flower borders, and Backhouse plants.
S.W. Quarter – A replanted orchard, showcasing a collection of historic apple varieties growing against the walls.
This carefully curated space blends functionality, history, and natural beauty, creating a truly unique garden experience.
Mature Fruit Trees and Garden Surroundings
The walls of the Walled Garden are home to a collection of mature fruit trees, including:
Apples: Laxton’s Superb, Bramley’s Seedling, Charles Ross, Warner’s King, Edward VII, Lane’s Prince Albert, Laxton’s Fortune, Norfolk Royal, Robston Pippin, Pott’s Seedling, James Grieve, Elstare.
Pears: Conference, Beurre Hardy, Williams Bon Chretien, Pitmaston Duchess, Nouveau Poiteau.
Significant restoration work has also been carried out on all paths, external walls, and potting sheds, preserving the character and integrity of the garden.
Outside the Walled Garden
- North Face: A fern & hosta border, creating a lush, shaded retreat.
- South Face: Greengages grow against the sunny south-facing wall, complemented by a fragrant mint garden.
- East Face: A woodland walk featuring the striking Cardiocrinum Giganticum (giant Himalayan lilies).
- West Face: The Monastery walk lined with shrubbery and late-flowering Nerines adding colour and interest as the seasons change.
These thoughtful features enhance the charm and diversity of the garden, offering a sensory journey through the changing seasons.
