Garden of the week: Ardtornish near Oban

That’s because there are still numerous berries – particularly rowan berries – and rose hips.

It is similar story in lots of other parts of england this year where there was a bumper crop of fruit – in all configurations and dimensions.

Ardtornish still has hydrangeas in flower and evergreen shrubs consisting of spiny desfontainias (Desfontainia spinosa), that have orange-yellow trumpet-shaped flowers.

But the actual glory of this 24-acre hillside garden is its location on the head of Loch Aline and its stupendous views of the Isle of Mull and the Scottish Highlands.

For just the £4 entrance fee you’ll be able to follow paths through Bob’s Glen, past Mandy’s Pool to Andrew’s Wood or even to Fairyland.

You can imagine what a fantastic place it’s for an autumn walk particularly while you make it right down to Cinnabarinum Glen, home to a couple of the foremost colourful fungi that grow in Britain.

Like most vital gardens, though, Ardtornish has year-round interest and is maybe at its best in late spring when there are bluebells within the woods and a huge choice of rhododendrons in May.

But late autumn and winter are the smartest time to work out a few of the garden’s other attractions, including the otters that live within the loch.

You also can spot about a sea eagles during your walk and you’ll certainly leave with colour on your cheeks – even though it’s draining fast from the trees.

Ardtornish Gardens are open daily with the doorway fee going to support Scotland’s Gardens charities on Tuesdays.

For additional information visit www.ardtornishgardens.co.uk and www.scotlandsgardens.org