We've had house guests these last couple of days, Roger and Christine were here from North Yorkshire and Bill was over from the USA. They are all ex-colleagues of Mr FF and of course friends so there has been lots of chat, food and drink with not much sleep in between. Bill left yesterday and though the weather wasn't up to much the rest of us did drag ourselves away from the stove and visit Dawyck Botanic Garden at Stobo near Peebles, a very lovely part of the Scottish Borders and quite close to our home. The first time we went to this hillside garden about 20 years ago there was simply an honesty box to leave your entrance fee, now they have a visitors centre, plant sales, gift shop and cafe, where we lingered until the rain stopped.
The amazing collection of azaleas and rhododendrons looked quite dramatic on a damp day and the tumbling streams were in full flow.
The skunk cabbages were in bloom. These plants always amuse me and I'd love to grow them if ever I have a garden with the required damp conditions. It was good to get out for a gentle stroll in the fresh air and pick up some garden inspiration which I hope I can hold until next week because for now I think I am too tired for much more than weekend newspapers and a little light knitting.
Isn't it lovely though to be able to get out and see that spring seems to be arriving (again!). I feel as though the gardens has been a real struggle this year - everything started to come up, and then we had snow - and it's taken till now for things to get going again.
ReplyDeleteIt feels so good to see plants shooting and leaves unfurling again, doesn't it? Come on summer!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a lovely tour. Just what I needed.
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