By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University Extension is offering its Master Gardener community an exclusive international adventure in 2026—a ten-day Garden Study Tour of Scotland scheduled for May 3–12, with an optional three-day extension from May 13–15.
Designed for horticulture enthusiasts, the trip combines breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and educational experiences led by MSU Extension horticulture experts Sarah Rautio and Rebecca Krans in partnership with Collette Travel.
Participants will explore Scotland’s remarkable gardens and tranquil natural areas. The itinerary begins in Glasgow with a visit to the Benmore Botanic Garden, known for giant redwoods and vast rhododendron displays.
Travelers will also tour the Glasgow Botanic Garden, featuring the famous Kibble Palace glasshouse filled with carnivorous plants, orchids, and tropical displays.
Heading north, the group will experience the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands, stopping at Loch Melfort, Arduaine Gardens, Ardmaddy Estate, and the rewilding landscapes of Kilchoan Estate.
Highlights include observing Highland cattle, spring flowers, and stunning ocean views. The itinerary also features the world-renowned Inverewe Garden, a 50-acre botanical wonder set on a 2,100-acre estate rich in biodiversity.
Additional activities include a scenic wildlife cruise for sightings of otters, seals, and seabirds, plus insights from local experts on Scotland’s efforts to reintroduce wild beavers. The tour concludes in Edinburgh with a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, home to one of the largest plant collections on earth, and free time to enjoy the city’s architecture and vibrant culture.
Travelers who choose the optional extension will visit southern Scotland to explore Threaves Garden, the imaginative Garden of Cosmic Speculation, and the Talla Linfoots Natural Area, experiencing unique gardens and ancient trees.
Space is limited, and registration closes November 25, 2025, or when the tour fills. Interested participants should email rautio@msu.edu or kransr@msu.edu for details and registration links. This all-inclusive trip offers comfortable travel, guided learning, and opportunities to connect with fellow gardeners while enjoying Scotland’s rich horticultural heritage.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu-extension
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle