7th June 2026

Welcome

The very welcome rain has arrived to water our parched garden. The Asparagus and Rhubarb are finished. Beans from the Greenhouse are planted and Potatoes (Charlotte) and Herbs are being harvested. The Tayberry, growing on the wall at the back of the fruit cage, has had a bumper year and we have picked the first Strawberries.

The rose growing on the wall leading to the Potting Shed is Phyllis Bide. Described by Peter Beales as one of their Rosarians favourite ramblers thanks to its beautiful colour, shade tolerance and hardy repeat-flowering nature. Look at it growing by the bridge where it complements beautifully the Honeysuckle growing there.

The Greenhouse has been emptied of over wintering plants and our Tomatoes (Marmande) planted.

The Catmint lining the Iris bed is a mass of Bumble Bees.

We are still waiting for all the Daffodils to die back before we cut but they have been fed B.F.B and this recent rain will have watered that in.

The Bog Garden has its Water Iris in flower and Zantedeschia lining the edge. Amongst them, in addition to the white flowers some have green markings this is Green Goddess.

Hemerocallis and Hosta are in flower lining the path by the stream. There are 3 different types of Hosta and the quantity has been achieved by lifting and dividing.

Roses, Roses, Magnificent Roses. And what a year for roses! A map on a tea towel is for sale in the Coffee Shop if you want to identify your favourite- but how do you choose?  Most of our 104 varieties are repeat flowering but not the salmon-pink rose on the wall of the Hall. It is Albertine, a fragrant rambler bred in France in 1921 which has been growing on this wall since before 1993.

The early heat has caused many plants to flower early and we are at a stage in the flower beds of “betwixt and between” i.e. some plants are going over and others have not yet summoned the energy to rise up and take over the space ; whilst some shrubs have finished flowering and need pruning attention to encourage next year’s growth. A dangerous time to put a fork in the ground if you do not know what’s underneath!!

The gravel garden at the bottom of the West lawn is full of colour. The plants are mainly self-seeded- with some surprises appearing. All we need to do is stop the dominance of one plant over the others.  This has not happened in the Wild Garden where you will see the Ox Eye Daisy has completely taken over. The Wild Garden is for Spring colour with Fritillaria, Snowdrops, Aconites and Anemone Blanda and A. Nemerosa. The Ox Eye Daisy at this time of year presents them no threat and will be cut down when that area gets its annual cut in August.

Don’t miss the Liriodendron beside the huge Copper Beach on the drive. It is currently in flower, and this tree does not flower before the tree is 25years old. The flowers are tulip shaped, hence its common name of tulip tree, and difficult to spot from a distance

Over 40 birds have been spotted in the gardens- the list is in the Coffee Shop and please add if you see any more. The Hebridean Sheep are mowing the Car Park, Muntjac , Rabbits, Squirrels, Bees all in evidence.

Stay healthy and good gardening

Lynda Tucker