"The Atholl Palace is one of my favourite places where each year we meet up with good friends and have fun. It's the perfect place to stay in a perfect setting with lovely people looking after us. What more could a person want?"
April 2004
The red squirrel is a nationally endangered species. Here in the grounds of the hotel the programme of winter feeding is beginning to bear fruit.
Up to six squirrels have been seen at one time around a single feeder and a female was seen carrying a young one in her mouth in mid-march, by Kenny.
For all the young guests at the Palace we have completed the children’s play area. Situated beyond the top-parking area it contains swings, a see-saw and two slides, all brightly painted and waiting to be used and enjoyed. The gazebo is usable but will be refurbished in due course.
The gardens are beginning to emerge from winter. This month the daffodils will be in full bloom and the rhododendrons and azaleas are just waiting for a little warmth before bursting into colour. The herbascous borders are being re-stocked with cuttings taken last autumn, and new flowers which have been bought to enhance the colour and fragrance of last year.
In the herb and wildflower garden a pond has been created to add interest and variety. Tadpoles should be emerging in a few weeks and many of the garden birds are, already, using the pond for bathing and drinking. A red admiral butterfly was seen feeding on the vinca on the 5th of this month. The herb beds are being pruned and replanted to supply the kitchens with daily “goodies” and the vegetable patch has been doubled in size to increase the supply of fresh greens, lettuce and other salad leaves. As always, you are welcome to visit the herb garden at any time and take time to sit about and enjoy the peace, the birds and the squirrels.
Innes Smith
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