Macphail Woods Nature Trails
Rhododendron Trail

Rhododendron.

Rhododendron Trail
87m (285ft) of easy walking
(see trail map)

Just before you get back to the house, you can stroll along the Rhododendron Trail leading off to your right. This trail was designed and planted in memory of Eleanore Campbell Pennock and Wolcott MacPherson, two people who worked hard on the restoration of Sir Andrew's home. Both died suddenly just as the house was being completed. It is an appropriate memorial to all lovers of nature. Eleanore, a descendant of the Skye pioneers and the MacLeods of Orwell and Uigg, was an avid gardener. Wolcott, who was raised in Uigg, knew and worked for Sir Andrew as a youth.

Hardy rhododendrons, such as white Moonshot, red America, pink Scin tillation and purple Bousault, offer a variety of colours and blooming periods during June and July. These are clumped in plantings with hostas, Japanese iris and ground covers. White pine, balsam fir, hemlock and red spruce, planted throughout the area, will grow to replace the remaining white spruce. Witch hazel, highbush cranberry, rhodora (our native rhododendron), Labrador tea and ferns enhance the walkway.

The plantings along this trail are just a beginning. We hope other gardeners will help us plant additional sections of non-native flowering shrubs and trees, possibly in memory of their loved ones. Just a quick walk takes you back to the Macphail Home and the end of your outdoor walking tour.

Rhododendron.

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The following series of Webpages is based on the Brochure "Trails of the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead" written by Gary Schneider.

If your interested in receiving a hardcopy of this booklet, please see our publications page. We offer a number of workshops and guided tours at the Macphail Woods and it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Macphail Homestead, the Woods, and it's inhabitants. Check out the Events Calendar for more information.. Web development and maintenance by Chris Martin.