"Atholl Palace is a wonderful place to visit. The staff are very helpful and polite, nothing is a problem! The food is amazing and the rooms are made up daily. This is great for either a weekend break or stay for a week. Great for couples or families. The spa is also brilliant and relaxing. Book now and stay, you won't be disappointed!"
November 2011
We had hoped for crisp air, bright skies and some frost at night to highlight the drift into autumn but this is Scotland and predicting the weather is prone to failure, usually. The last month has been damp and grey and the vibrant tree colours haven’t happened.
Leaf fall is almost over, only the Tulip tree is left with it’s canopy, I have never before noticed how much longer this tree holds on to it’s leaves. Perhaps it is just a one off this year. In previous years dealing with the vast amount of leaves which fall around the buildings and lawns has been tiresome work but nowadays we mulch everything. This not only makes the task quite pleasurable but it also helps the trees and shrubs,greatly, returning nutrient to their roots rather than removing it. The vegetable garden is also, virtually over for the season. Some tatties and spinach are all that is left from,what was, a very productive season. Peas will certainly return next season after their success this year.
The bulb order arrived recently and,as in previous years, we are building on the range of spring bulbs we have in the grounds with 100’s more crocus,tulips,iris,hyacinth and allium to name but a few. Bulbs are such good value, easy to plant and pretty much maintenance free with a lovely show when they appear the following season. Often you forget what you have planted(an age thing) and their appearance is even more of a surprise.
It is the season of logs now which brings me to a sad story. When I came to the Palace 10yrs or so ago I brought with me, for the Palace, a 1954 Fordson tractor. This machine had lain under a tree for many years but with a change of battery and some fuel....away she went. She has worked hard over the last decade but last year’s long spell ploughing snow seems to have weakened her. The “tractor doctor” has made several visits but she is not responding to his care. She is still able to power the log splitter but her appearances in front of the hotel pushing tons of snow about are over, I fear. Gentle retirement in the wood yard with just light work,occasionally.....that would suit her more.Come to think of it, it would suit me also!! Innes
 maple.jpg)
acer.jpg)
