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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Little Sparta

Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay's greatest work of art. Come and explore the grounds as part of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme!

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Little Sparta

About Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Little Sparta

Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art. Ian and Sue Finlay moved to the farm of Stonypath in 1966 and began to create what would become an internationally acclaimed garden across seven acres of a wild and exposed moorland site. Collaborating with stone carvers, letterers and other artists and poets, the numerous sculptures and artworks created by Finlay explore themes as diverse as the sea and its fishing fleets, our relationship to nature, classical antiquity, the French Revolution and the Second World War. Individual poetic and sculptural elements, in wood, stone and metal, are sited in relation to carefully structured landscaping and planting.

Please note that there is a 700m uphill walk from the car park and livestock grazing in the fields. For visitors with limited mobility, it may be possible to book a space near the house; call the garden for details.

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Other Events at Little Sparta or Scotlands Gardens Scheme

Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Kevock Garden

1st January 2025 - 29th December 2025
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This wonderful hillside garden has magnificent views over the North Esk Valley with a wide diversity of plants and has featured in many magazine articles and gardening programmes.

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: King’s Park Walled Garden

1st January 2025 - 31st December 2025

Come along and explore the C-listed Walled Garden within King's Park as part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme!

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Harthill

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Dawson’s Garden

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Kilbryde Castle

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Stobshiel House

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Glenarn

21st March 2025 - 21st September 2025
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Glenarn survives as a complete example of a ten-acre garden which spans from 1850 to the present day, come and explore as part of Scotland's Gardens!

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: The Tower

1st April 2025 - 30th September 2025
Various Locations Fife

Set on a hill, this one-acre Edwardian landscaped garden has panoramic views over the River Tay.

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Kirklands Garden

1st April 2025 - 30th September 2025
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Enjoy a day out at Kirklands, built in 1832, it has been the Hart family home for 45 years!

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Hunter’s Tryst

1st April 2025 - 30th September 2025
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Hunter’s Tryst is a well-stocked and beautifully designed, mature, medium-sized, wildlife-friendly town garden.

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Glassmount House

1st April 2025 - 30th September 2025
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Glassmount House has a densely planted walled garden with new areas of naturalistic planting blending the boundary between the surrounding fields and the woodland.

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: The Croft

1st April 2025 - 31st October 2025
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Explore the special one acre garden of The Croft, on a steep rocky site facing north overlooking the Clyde just opposite Dumbarton Rock, as part of Scotland's Gardens!

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Gardener’s Cottage Walled Garden

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The walled garden, acquired in 2013 by the present owners, has been planted with extensive herbaceous borders, box hedging, roses and many unusual plants.

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Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Open Garden: Bannockburn House Gardens

1st July 2025 - 30th September 2025

Bannockburn House, an A-listed mansion built in 1675 by Sir Hugh Paterson, now sits in 26 acres of woodland and gardens.

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