Follow the stream past a fragrant Rhododendron fortunei. Cross another bridge and continue up the path towards a large group of rhododendrons. This is known as the Cinnabarinum Glen, previously one of the Ardtornish highlights but now less so because of this group's susceptibility to powdery mildew. Pass two Rhododendron yakusimanum and turn right through Rhododendron ambiguum which usually has pale yellow flowers in autumn as well as spring.
There is a group of Enkianthus perulatus some of which turn yellow in autumn and some red. Behind this is a Manna ash and some "Devil's Walking Sticks" with 5 metre stems and ferocious spines. Walk down to the keeper's path with Magnolia wilsonii on your left. You will pass a Nothofagus antarctica which was flattened in a gale and seemingly thrives in this position. Just before you reach the keeper's path, you will see some trees with rounded leaves. These are "Katsuras" (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), another autumn highlight with orange and yellow leaves smelling of burnt caramel.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum, photographed October 2003. A few stems cut for the house give colour and fragrance (I discovered this when taking cuttings - unsuccessfully - in the greenhouse one October)
If you would like to continue your virtual stroll round the garden, walk this way. 