Visit the gardens of Galloway in May and one plant species catches the eye ahead of all others – the Rhododendron. Though of course native to eastern Asia and the Hiamalyas, rhododendrons seem to thrive particularly well in the mild climate of south-western Scotland. With over 1,000 species to choose from they have long attracted gardeners for their extravagant show of blossom in the spring, in myriad shades of red, pink and purple. We will see some magnificent specimens as we tour the gardens specially selected for their rhododendron displays, along with azaleas, magnolias, pieris and other flowering shrubs.

Colin Crosbie, former Head Curator at RHS Garden Wisley, will be our guide and will also show us round his own garden, which has a very good selection of deciduous azaleas.