Author(s): Alison Turnbull

Gardening

Linn Botanic Gardens is a place like no other: a special, magical, idiosyncratic utopia created by the shared passion of a reclusive father and son. Situated beside a Scottish loch, and close to a nuclear naval base, Linn is a horticultural treasure trove that is home to thousands of exotic plants brought from all over the world. Nowhere on Earth do such rare and diverse species grow together except at this unlikely setting in western Scotland. Carefully constructed over forty years by Jim and Jamie Taggart, the garden is shaped by the subtle interplay of science and art, botany and design, mathematics and theatre. At its heart, like a mysterious presence that looms over the surrounding land while being slowly consumed by the ceaseless spread of nature, stands Linn Villa, the decrepit, outof- bounds Victorian house that appears to have lain untouched for decades. Artist Alison Turnbull first encountered this secluded idyll several years ago while staying at the artists retreat at nearby Cove Park. Since then, she and writer Philip Hoare have visited several times and got to know the garden, and the otherwise private Taggarts, well.
Another Green World is their lyrical portrait of this enchanted and enchanting place in words and pictures. Turnbulls intimate photographs of the garden, villa and owners, and her geometric drawings inspired by the gardens elements, are complemented by photographer Ruth Clarks stunning double-page shots of the plants in all their seasonal variety. Hoares evocative account of a visit weaves its way through these arresting images, taking us on a walk through the garden and house as if we were actually there. Completing this one-of-a-kind volume are botanist Ian Edwards appreciation of Linns importance as a reserve of rare rhododendrons and a separate appendix listing every plant type found in the garden. It was the younger Taggart, Jamie, who compiled and updated this list until he disappeared on a plantfinding expedition to Vietnam in November 2013, just as the book was in the early stages of production. He has never been seen since.