Garden Travel: Scotland September 29th, 2016

Scotland

We traveled to Scotland mid May, while the countryside is amazingly beautiful – much of it was just coming out of winter dormancy so it isn’t necessarily the best time of year to visit gardens. The heaths and heathers from a distance looked like they were still recovering from winter dormancy, but close up you could see the khaki green of the leaves. In some cases it almost gave a golden hue reminiscent of the golden hills in California. The bright yellow Gorse brightened up the country side adding rays of sun bright color all over, but this was a plant best viewed from a distance. The thorns on this plant were the stuff of nightmares… and while gorgeous in its natural environs it was hard not to view an adverse reaction due to its invasiveness as an exotic on the West coast of the US. I originally thought it was “Scotch Broom” but then found out that Scotch broom is much more dainty ( albeit just as invasive).

So while there are supposedly some amazing botanical gardens, I was unable to fit them into the itinerary. We did visit some gardens associated with two Scottish Castles: Blair Castle in Athol and Dunvegan  on Isle of Skye

Blair Castle-

About 90 minutes north of Edinburgh – since we got there late in the day the focus of the visit was the  Georgian style walled Herculean garden. Recently restored to its 18^th century glory is a lush green orchard where the fruit trees were just starting to bud and leaf out.  The trees were planted on slopes so that extra water drained into the pond at the center to prevent drainage issues typical of the area. The border garden along the south facing wall is planted with what should be lots of color eventually.  The original designers obvious were taking into account the shorter season since nothing except path and lawn were planted along the north facing wall since they probably did not get as much sun and warmth. The walled garden also allowed them to create a microclimate to extend the growing season. Along with the fruit orchard – specific to varieties adapted to the northern climate, they were doing trials of varieties and hybrids of several vegetables. For historical accuracy all the roses and perennials are varieties that have been in Britain since the mid-18^th century.  The garden itself was a bit of a walk from the residence and is designed to be viewed from an overlook outside the garden ( at the statue of Hercules hence the name)  as much as from inside. I found the garden very serene and to be enjoyed as a whole and not so much in specific plants/plant combinations.

Blair Castle has  several other gardens but due to time constraints we were unable to visit.
See http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/blairatholl/blaircastlegardens/ for more information.

Dunvegan Castle –

On the Isle of Skye – Stronghold of Clan MacLeod- Still occupied by the clan chieftain. 5 acres of formal and woodland gardens. In contrast to the stark moorlands the gardens are a welcome respite of color, lush woodlands different garden styles and eclectic plant mixes.
The Walled Garden- originally the estates edible garden- an elaborate mix of plant to complement the glasshouse, lily pond and gazebo.

Round Garden- formal garden planted with bulbs for the spring. Changed from season to season-Surrounded with hedge and lawn.
Stream side garden – with large water fall and reflective pools that flow to the sea.

Woodland glades showing recent signs of major windstorm the previous winter but had mossy undergrowth covered in blue bells.