Day Trip to Edinburgh and Two South Lanarkshire Gardens - 25th July ...

We were blessed with a very warm, sunny day for this Scottish day trip.

 1858 - Temperate Palm House

Our first stop was to Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden (RBGE). The RBGE was founded in 1670 as a ‘Physic Garden’ at St. Anne's Yard, near Holyrood Palace; by Dr Robert Sibbald and Dr. Andrew Balfour. The garden in Inverleith Row is now on its fourth site. The intervening sites being on the east of the Nor Loch (now Platform 11, Waverley Railway Station) and in 1763, the garden's collections were moved away from the city's pollution to a larger "Physic Garden" on the west side of Leith Walk.

Leith Walk Physic Garden

This cottage from the garden's original site remained on Leith Walk for over one hundred years. In 2008, the building was moved brick by brick to a site within the current gardens. The project was completed in 2016.

Leith Walk Cottage - translocated and refurbished

Nearly 273,000 individual plants are grown at the ‘Botanics’ in Edinburgh or at its three smaller satellite gardens (known as Regional Gardens – Logan, Dawyck & Benmore) located in other parts of Scotland. These represent around 13,300 different species from all over the world, or about 4% of all known plant species.

Duncan Napier discovered a book about herbal remedies on a market stall and was inspired to open his own herbal shop in Bristo Place in 1860. Napier's selection of syrups, tinctures and ointments grew popular with the local community, and became an established presence in the city of Edinburgh

RBGE in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh delivers world-class biodiversity research to underpin the conservation and sustainable use of the world’s plants in four key areas:

1. Tropical Diversity - Plant species diversity is massively biased towards the tropics, for example the forests of Amazonia have 16,000 native tree species compared to 30 in the UK. The RBGE Tropical Group is describing this species mega-diversity, researching its cause, and how best to conserve it.

2. Genetics and Conservation - Providing evidence and interventions to support conservation in the UK and internationally.
3. Cryptogamic Plants and Fungi - Studying algal, bryophyte and fungal diversity.
4. Major Floras - Taxonomic research underpinning conservation and sustainability.

RBGE's Wild Garden

Vitus veinifera - Common Vine

Vanilla imperialis - orchid

'Various Berries' by Mary McMurtrie - 20001

Mary McMurtrie was born in Aberdeenshire in 1902. She was one of the first female student at Gray's School of Art, graduating top of her year.

She ran a successful plant nursery after her husband's death, well into her 80s.

Mary published her own collecton of botanical art when she was 80. She was still painting when she reached her century.

This illustration was published in a Scottish wild flower book when she was 99 years of age!

Zingiber spectabile - Beehive Ginger

Written by PMR

Various reference sources used:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Botanic_Garden_Edinburgh

https://www.rbge.org.uk/science-and-conservation/major-floras/

https://scotlandsgardens.org/the-walled-garden-shieldhill/

https://scotlandsgardens.org/symington-house/

After an al fresco lunch in Edinburgh we journeyed into South Lanarkshire. Our next stop was to Shieldhill, Quothquan to the home of Mr & Mrs Gordon.

“Their 200-year-old walled garden was completely redesigned and planted in 2014/15 with contemporary features within a classic design. The garden incorporates a modern rill and banks of colour with perennial flowers in a variety of borders. 

The resident bees enjoy the large area of traditional meadow flowers as well as the rose garden planted with lavenders, salvias and stocks. 

Outside the wall you will find mature woodland including a giant sequoia and a wildlife pond. 

If you are interested in fruit and vegetables, take a look at the raised beds and the 

peach tree and vine in the greenhouse.”

 

These  giant dandelions set in the meadow provide a wonderful focal point. Mr Gordon was enchanted by them whilst visiting the inaugural RHS show at Chatsworth in 2017.

The bonus is that they don't self-seed!

Our final destination, also in Lanarkshire, was to Symington House. The estate owners, (Mr & Mrs Dawnay) and head gardener welcomed us. We were treated to a lovely afternoon tea with home baking in the shaded loggia, before visiting the romantic walled garden.

"A traditional walled garden and greenhouses saved from dereliction 20 years ago." 

" Now with beautiful herbaceous borders set off by a backdrop of yew hedges."

 "The greenhouses have collections of fuchsias, geraniums and tender fruit. 

There are woodland and river walks to enjoy too." 

A certain founder member enjoying the garden

 

Thanks to Alba Travel for their professional service and excellent drivers 

who took care of us during our tours.

 

Day Trip Visit to North Yorkshire & “The Land of the Prince Bishops” - Tuesday, 25th June

On this outing we travelled over the Pennines via the A66 to visit two gardens created only three years ago in 2015 (although, paradoxically, both gardens are located within pre-existing walled gardens in the demesnes of two 18^th and 19^th grand houses).

Middleton Lodge

Middleton Lodge is a Georgian Palladian mansion set within 200 acres, on the outskirts of the village of Middleton Tyas, by Richmond. The lodge was designed by the architect John Carr and was built between 1777-1780 for George Hartley Esquire.

The neglected walled garden within the Middleton Lodge Estate has been expertly restored as the Grade II Listed Kitchen Garden. Tom Stuart-Smith is the brains behind the project, working closely with the estate’s head gardener, Andrew Webb.

This two-acre nature retreat will bloom and grow as the seasons change, so will remain a picture-perfect spot for events, celebrations and for guests to roam at their leisure.

On the opening of the Kitchen Garden, Tom Stuart-Smith said, 

“It’s wonderful to see the walled garden at Middleton Lodge brought back to life with such great commitment and vision from a brilliant team.

“It is intended to be a garden that has some interest throughout the year and a series of really magical moments from the first pear blossom in spring to the colouring of the autumn leaves in October.”

The garden is split into four sections, all created and planted to ensure they flourish from one season to the next. Each space has been finished with large arbours, built by the estate’s construction team.

James Allison, owner of Middleton Lodge Estate, says:

“It’s been a fantastic experience working with Tom over the past two years. Tom’s knowledge and passion for creating such beautiful and seasonal landscapes, alongside our head gardener Andrew’s dedication has helped to transformed our neglected walled garden, into a truly wonderful space that will not only be a stunning backdrop for our wedding, hotel and restaurant guests, but it is also a working food source for the entire estate.”

Despite the rain during our visit, you couldn’t help but to be enthralled by the romance of this garden. Stuart-Smith’s repeat planting brings congruity to the garden. It’s hard to believe that it is but three years since it was planted! 

Astrantia

Paeonia lactiflora 'Duchesse de Nemours' - delicately scented

 Another plant of note is the North American Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia. It is a clump-forming perennial which grows to 60cm with dark green, willow-like leaves and open clusters of star-shaped, pale blue flowers from late spring to midsummer.

Wynyard Hall & Rose Garden 

Built between 1822 and 1828, Wynyard Hall was the family seat of Vane-Tempest-Stewarts, Marquesses of Londonderry, an Anglo-Irish aristocratic dynasty. In the 1987 the hall and 5,000 acre estate was bought by Sir John Hall, a property developer (Metro Centre) and life president of Newcastle United Football Club. 

 

The gardens include a Walled Garden, an Edible Garden, a Woodland Walk and Glasshouse. Though dating back from 1822, the remodelled walled garden is a showcase of delicate artistry.

 

The Walled Garden is the epitome of beauty, with vivid flowerbeds, over 3,000 stunning roses: from teas, floribundas and climbing roses to the statement English Roses. These together with a careful selection of shrubs and trees, highlighted with graceful water features, raised beds and meandering paths. 

The dazzling display of David Austin roses includes 135 different species. Some varieties bloom into September and October, while Wild Edric and Lady Shallot are among the earliest flowering.

Rosa 'Wild Edric'

Written by PMR

Various reference sources used including:

Wikipedia

https://luxe-magazine.co.uk/2018/07/secret-garden-fig-house-middleton-lodge

www.rhs.org.uk

www.wynyardhall.co.uk

A Little 82 - 84 year old Nostalgia?...

Joan T. lent us Volumes 19 & 39 of "My Garden" magazine, published in July 1935 and March 1937 respectively.

Here are some extracts including the 1935 Chelsea review -

At the end of your day there was nothing quite like a relaxing seat in your Lloyd Loom furniture or a spin out in your motor car. 

Another Sad News Item...

 

Terry ALLEN of Great Corby died peacefully on 17th May at the Cumberland Infirmary.

Terry was a founder member, the inaugural and subsequently long-standing chairman of our club. He had a deep knowledge of horticulural matters and had a significant delphinium collection. Latterly he and his wife Marjorie were members of The Lakeland Horticultural Society.

Preparing for Summer - Phil Dunnet

It was with great pleasure that we welcomed back Phil of Ribblesdale Nurseries, Preston to talk to us.

http://www.ribblesdalenurseries.co.uk

Phil was our guest speaker in April 2017, when he spoke to us about preparing our gardens for spring. He especially focussed on the importance of nourishing our soil and knowing the basics of NPK values.

 Phil reminded us that it’s not too late to plant summer flowering bulbs or to direct sow annuals for decoration & eating! This includes sweet peas.

Shrubs are especially known for their spring flowering season 

but Phil reminded us about some summer bloomers -

 

Clethra alnifolia var. paniculata / Summer Sweet

This is a tough, hardy shrub which is often overlooked. It reaches 5-6 feet in height & flowers June / July / August.

Philadelphus / Mock Orange - This shrub comes in a variety of sizes to suit us all! The scent of warm summer evenings is heady.

Hydrangeas – The paniculata species varieties re-flower more reliably, though colour choice is more limited to whites.

Buddlejas – These are so loved by butterflies. 
 

(Butterflies need sun drenched, flat flowers on which they can sit while feeding while 
bees can forage in shade, often drilling into nectar pouches.)

There are buddlejas for small gardens such as “Buzz 3 in 1”

Phil then profiled some herbaceous summer plants.

Melissa / Honey Balm -This non invasive variety is ornamental, long flowering (white) and a delight for bees. It copes well in the shade in damp soil. Remember your herbal, lemon balm needs these conditions too!

Polemonium / Jacob’s Ladder - The new varieties are longer flowering and respond well to the ‘Chelsea Chop’

Guems - These plants should flower repeatedly, but this has not been Phil’s experience to date. He suggests that we experiment with a selective ‘Chelsea Chop’!

Astrantias - These cope in both shade and dry soils. They come out early and go all summer long. They are also the focus of current breeding strategies.

NB

Plant breeding is now a vast and expanding field of horticulture. 

Inevitably hybridisation leads to 'weakness' in plants 
as they genetically deviate from the species form. 

The desire for new hybrids creates commerical pressures. An example of potential downfall here is that often new varieties are not effectively 'trialed'. 
Previously trial periods could last ten years.

Finally it can take considerable time to produce sufficient stocks of new varieties. 
E.g. It can take some twenty years for daffodils to bulk up sufficiently 
to be ready for for release onto the general market.
 

Verbascums - These plants need good drainage & plenty of sun.

 

 

Trollius / Globe Flower - Recently new pale yellow varieties have been breed; 'Alabaster' and 'New Moon'. This plant thrives in wet heavy clay soils.

 

Nepetas / Cat Mints 

These plants are great at deterring greenfly and again there are many new varieties.

The talk concluded with some 'Questions & Answers' before we enjoyed making a little purchase or two!

Phil's Tips from 'Qs & As' were:

1. Agapanthus - The narrow leaf forms cope well in NW England. They are winter hardy if not sitting in the wet. If you lift your agapanthus then don't let the bulbs dry out! Store in a shed rather than greenhouse. Split in early autumn or winter before they start growth.

2. There is no benefit in replacing new for old varieties of plants if they are thriving. See NB above.

3. Paeonias - They can be moved but take care to replant at same level.
Remember not to plant too deeply. The tuberose roots must not be more that 2.5cm below the surface. Also plant in fertile free draining soil and ideally in the sun.

 

4. Hostas - There is an enormous new variety reputed to grow to six feet called  'Empress Wu' - who could be without her?

5.Tulips - Generally tulips have a life span of 2 years. Do lift and slowly dry your bulbs over two to three weeks after leaves have died back. Commercially bulbs are stored at 3c. The long dry spell in 2018 meant that the tulip bulb harvest was unusually poor.

Phil is happy to answer any other questions - philsd@outlook.com

Written by PMR

Various internet reference sources used

"Very Hardy Perennials" - Helen Knowles, 11th April 2019...

www.tinnisburn.co.uk

Open from April to September – Tuesdays & Wednesdays – 2pm to 6pm

Helen and her family moved to Tinnisburn, Canonbie some thirty years ago,having previously lived in Gloucestershire where the climate is dry and the soil chalky. Tinnisburn proved a challenge with it’s 600’ altitude, cold / wet climate and deep boulder clay all swamped with ground elder! So it is hardly surprising that Helen can vouch for her “very hardy perennials”.

Initially Tinnisburn’s sloping site was very exposed, allowing fabulous views to the Lakeland Fells. With time, shrubs & hedges have grown up to provide shelter belts; these are key to protecting plants from biting easterly winds and the prevailing south westerlies.

Helen’s knowledge is comprehensive. She is a regular garden speaker and has marquee displays / sales at both specialist, local and RHS shows. She shared with us some key information about many of her plants. Here is a selection of them…

Geranium senensis ‘Stephanie’

This provides super ground cover under shrubs, flowering May/June. Bees love these flowers - their petals are flat and blue (a colour bees apparently can easily detect) and the veining provides ‘landing strips’ directing towards the food source of pollen & nectar.

Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’

This Siberian bugloss is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with large, ovate or heart-shaped basal leaves and sprays of small bright blue flowers in spring. It provides superb ground cover, where the variegated silver colour bounces light back. It grows best in fertile, humus rich, moist but drained soil in a cold site with full or partial shade.

Lathyrus vernus ‘Alboroseus’ – Spring Vetchling

 

This a beautiful little treasure for the spring garden that is both dainty and robust. Dense lush foliage makes a 30 cm high hummock which is covered with many small pea flowers. In this variety the flowers are two-tone pink and white with a rosy red base to each one. It is happiest in a little moist shade, planted in heavy clay. 

 

Astrantia major “Ruby Wedding”

All astrantias all love shade & moist soils. They are super hardy and, once dead headed will bloom all summer long.

Thalictrum Rochebrunianum

This meadow rue is tall (6’) but with its dainty flowers provides a ‘see-through’ effect, so can be planted nearer the front of the border. It thrives in moist but well drained soils when there’s partial shade. It flowers mid to late summer.

Cephalaria Gigantea

Another tall (8’) border plant, this giant scabious is rich in nectar and pollens, is hardy and copes well in damp conditions.

Aster ‘Little Carlow’ now Symphyotrichum 'Little Carlow'

This award winning plant is a hybrid between A. cordifolius and A. novi-belgii. Born on soft stems, this gentle lavender coloured Michaelmas daisy blends with all other colours. It is healthy, blooms late summer & thrives in full sun or part shade.

Hybrids of Primula japonica

These gorgeous plants love boggy areas. They look wonderful in large swathes. They hybridise with great enthusiasm so divide them after flowering if you wish to keep the colour ‘true’. 

 Aquiligas have the same habit of hybridising and self seeding, so consider division if you wish to preserve colours! (PMR – I’ve heard that some refer to aquilegias as ‘the trollops of the garden’.)

So many choices to be made!

Written by PMR

Various internet reference sources used