Grampian is a garden tended with love. For a landmass so far north, the climate is temperate for plants and flowers. So generations of gardeners have used their skills to build beauty here.

The work of rose breeders fills fields and hillsides, and their produce lines roads, streets, parks, gardens and estates. You’re interested in rose gardens? Then don’t miss Crathes Castle. Drum Castle or Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen. Rock gardens? Try Leith Hall, Kildrummy or Ballindalloch Castle. Topiary? Visit Grant Park, Forres.

If alpine shrubs are your interest, then make sure that Kildrummy Castle Gardens and Johnston Gardens, Aberdeen, are on your list.

For Victorian gardens, you’re just as spoilt for choice, so don’t miss Union Terrace Gardens or those at the Gordon Highlanders’ Museum.

It’s a hard choice to nominate the top two, but judging by visitor popularity, you certainly shouldn’t miss out on Pitmedden with its recreated 17^th-century formal garden and the Biblical Garden in Cooper Park, Elgin, home to every plant mentioned in the Bible.

Michaelmas Daisy