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Pitmedden Garden

RHS Partner Garden

Free access for RHS Members at selected times

Ellon
Aberdeenshire
AB41 7PD
Scotland

Get directions

Free RHS Member days
Free access (member 1 only for joint memberships) applies Thu and Fri.

Telephone
01651 842296

Visit website

About the garden

Brilliant design in the form of vibrant colours and meticulously manicured shapes give Pitmedden Garden its unique charm. With almost six miles of clipped box hedging, sculptures and built heritage, the parterres at the heart of the garden are a masterpiece of intricate patterns and fragrant flowers.

The Great Garden dates back to 1675 when it was originally laid out by Sir Alexander Seton, a retired Court of Session judge in the reign of James VII/II. His head gardener had designed gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh and was similarly influenced by the French Palace of Versailles. In the 1950s Pitmedden was gifted to the Trust who re-created the garden based on 17th-century plans after it was ploughed up to grow vegetables during the Second World War and used as a kitchen garden for over 100 years.

In 2021 we reimagined the upper terrace parterre for the modern world with a fresh, sustainable garden. A biodiverse, species-rich meadow weaves and drifts, offering changing patterns and colours. Combined with our orchard of more than 200 fruit trees, Pitmedden really is a delight for the senses.

Please note: this garden is partially accessible.

Facilities

  • Assistance dogs only
  • Accessible facilities
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children's activities
  • Free carer entry
  • Gift shop
  • Parking
  • Picnic area
  • Plant sales
  • Refreshments
  • Toilets

Key features

  • Sculpture
  • Herbaceous border
  • Champion trees

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.