FOR those who are willing to travel in pursuit of unusual plants and an exotic garden, a trip to Logan Botanic Garden in Galloway is well worth the effort. In just such a pursuit, my auntie (visiting from Somerset) and I spent six hours on the road between Cockermouth and Stranraer last week; I have to report that it was worth every mile of the journey.

Originally begun by Agnes McDouall in the 1870s, Logan Botanic Garden is now a satellite garden for the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. Agnes is credited with having planted the first Eucalyptus species in the garden, beginning a tradition of exotic introductions that continues to the present day. The McDoualls also began the planting of the shelterbelts of trees that protect the garden from salt-laden winds and south-westerly gales.

Logan is situated at the extreme South West tip of Scotland, virtually surrounded by the sea and benefiting enormously from the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. The maritime climate ensures that there are very few winter frosts, allowing the cultivation of many tender and unusual plants. On entering the walled garden, the effect is instantly sub-tropical. Chusan palms, tree ferns and cabbage palms frame a view of the large formal pond, which is dotted with water lilies and surrounded by lush herbaceous plantings. The walled garden is described in the guidebook as "a mosaic of many smaller gardens each with its own special character" ranging from rocky terraces to a raised bog garden bounded by low walls of peat blocks.

Outside the walled garden are less formal areas, planted with Southern Hemisphere trees and shrubs, including Callistemon, Leptospermum, and Olearia. Many plants reach an enormous size in the mild, moist conditions. The giant rhubarb-like stems of Gunnera manicata were already at head height in mid-May, while the luxuriant candelabra primulas made my own efforts at growing them look positively puny by comparison. Huge specimens of eucalyptus, eucryphias, magnolias and rhododendrons are underplanted with unusual shrubs and choice perennials like Trilliums, Arisaema and blue poppies.

The guidebook describes Logan as a plantsman's paradise, but no effort is spared in making less knowledgeable visitors feel at home. All the plants are labelled (a rare treat) and many are for sale in the shop. In addition there is a well-stocked caf and a discovery centre where the story of Logan and its plants is documented and illustrated. It's nearly 20 years since I last visited Logan but I certainly won't be waiting so long for my next visit!

Jobs for this week

_ Clear spring bedding as it begins to go over. Fork over the soil and work in some organic material, leaving it to rest for a few days before planting out summer bedding.

_ Thin out the seedlings of annuals and vegetables sown outside as they grow.

_ Train clematis as they grow, winding the fast-growing stems around supports or tying them in with soft twine or raffia.