June 2006

Like last year, the latter half of May has been wet and cold. My optimistic report on the putting green has had to be reviewed….we won’t be having the “opening putt” on June 2nd because, although the grass has taken well, the cool weather has restricted growth and it’s just not ready.

The herbascous bed in the herb garden has come on wonderfully. We took the chance of netting it to hold up the taller plants and at first we were a little doubtful….a bit of an intrusion? However as the plants have grown the net is beginning to blend in and, most importantly, the tall plants are getting support. Delphiniums are just about to bloom, the mecanopsis are already in bloom as are the dame’s violet and candellabra primula. The herbs are away, putting on huge amounts of growth and going to the kitchens, daily. We have introduced planters to take the various forms of thyme we have. They never really thrived on the ground and by filling the planters with a gritty mixture we hope they will do better.
We have revamped the outdoor pool area, lavender and rosemary beds, bamboo around the pool and some exotic palms in the planters…it really is a sun trap so whether you swim or not, try out this area for a quiet, sunny seat at any time of day.

Our brood of ducklings has dropped to 9 but these are waddling around confidently now and will take food , almost, from the hand. Tadpoles are in the herb-garden pond, the first of the blue tits have fledged and several blackbirds are busily feeding broods around the lawns….and, of course the red squirrels are active, mainly between 8-11 am on the feeders.

Warm weather, called a Scottish summer, is bound to come soon and then the gardens will flourish. Innes

STOP PRESS... A new brood of ducklings(8) appeared this morning on the pond. From famine to feast!
A pair of small pearl-bordered fritillaries were seen on one of our wildflower banks...a nationally rare butterfly(15.6.006). Also a spotted flycatcher is rearing a nestful of young at our greenhouse.

Garden Gallery