Gardens: Scone Palace

In winter the best time to visit is February when the grounds are bright with carpets of pure white snowdrops that spread throughout the estate. Drifts of these robust white flowers flank the central Lime Avenue, emerge from ivy-covered woodland floors, roll down banks and spread out under conifers to lighten the darkest of days. But perhaps the most impressive place to see them is the Friar's Den, on a slope beyond the maze, where snowdrops cover the ground in a thick carpet.

Head gardener Peter Timoney who has been at Scone for 25 years explains that the peaceful, pure white snowdrop plantings that spread so innocently throughout the grounds came about as the result of a war. "People think that as snowdrops grow so well in Britain they must be native to these shores, but in fact that's not the case. They are native to the Crimea and have only fairly recently become naturalised in Britain. It was common for the landed gentry to send their second or third sons off to fight in the Crimean War and many of these soldiers brought back snowdrops as souvenirs."

Built in 1803 by the 3rd Earl of Mansfield, Scone Palace boasts southerly views over the Tay Valley. Renowned because of the palace's association with the Stone of Scone the grounds are also well known as the place where Scottish plant collector, David Douglas began his illustrious career as an under-gardener.

Peter explains that history resonates through the grounds. As an example he cites the Queen's Drive that sweeps in from the main gate to bisect the Lime Avenue, which it was intended to replace. "The Queen's Drive was laid out in 1842 for Queen Victoria's visit when the Lime Avenue wasn't considered quite grand enough," he says. From the Drive it is a short walk north to the Murray Star Maze planted on the site of the old Monk's Playgound.

Planted recently in the shape of a five-pointed star drawn from the Murray family crest the maze is outlined in 2000 beech trees in a blend of green and copper creating an unusual tartan effect. In winter the hedges retain their brown leaves giving a uniform colour. Designed by contemporary maze designer Adrian Fisher the outline of the maze is best seen from the raised wooden bridge that spans the foot of the site. From here you can clearly see the centre point, a five-sided pond featuring a statue inspired by the mythological Arethusa by sculptor, David William Ellis.

Paths run through trees and shrubs leading towards the 19th century Pinetum where the size and shape of established trees underplanted with snowdrops adds an important dimension to the winter landscape. Planting began here in 1848 at the behest of the 4th Earl and the area has since developed to become one of the finest collections of rare conifers in Britain. In 1862 Douglas sent home the seed from a plant- collecting expedition that produced the magnificent Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, which is still standing.

Peter says that the acquisition of such trees often proved a good investment as their seed could be sold on. "By 1880 seed from this tree was valued at 1000 per lb, an astonishing cost that didn't prevent Perthshire landlords from buying it." This tree is the ancestor to many of Perthshire's Douglas Firs. It is an impressive sight among giant redwoods and noble firs and shrubs, providing valuable shelter and a habitat for red squirrels and a variety of bird species. The flash of bright blue you might glimpse anywhere among the trees is one of the estate peacocks.

Understanding the history of the place has been made easier by the construction of the David Douglas Pavilion. Built from Douglas Fir and other timbers sourced from the estate, the pavilion highlights the important legacy of Douglas and his fellow plant collectors.

Peter, a versatile gardener who, in collaboration with Lord Mansfield built up the largest private collection of orchids in Britain, admits to becoming increasingly intrigued by the snowdrops that herald the end of winter. "To the untrained eye, snowdrops look very alike, however, there are actually more than 100 species and cultivars. A closer look reveals the subtle distinguishing characteristics that captivate snowdrop enthusiasts, with the variations appearing in the green markings on the flower petals and texture and colour of the strap-like foliage." Recently he discovered a new species of snowdrop in the garden. Now registered, it is named "Scone Palace". Two hybrids were also recently registered "Pamela" for Lady Mansfield and "Sophie" for her daughter-in-law Lady Stormont. However those keen to see these new snowdrops will have to be patient.

"They are tall with one flowering earlier than the other. At the moment they are not on display because we are propagating them and hope in the near future they will be for sale," adds Peter.

Scone will join more than 50 gardens taking part in the 2010 Scottish Snowdrop Festival on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February and on Friday 26 to Sunday 28 February. Festival opening hours are 11am to 4pm, adults 4.80, concessions 4.20. Gardens open daily from Easter until end October, 9:30am to 5:30pm, www.scone-palace.co.uk

This article was first published in The Scotsman Magazine on 06 February 2010