Plant Hunting

On Saturday we took ourselves off in search of new plants. After our visit to Dawyck Botanic Garden Mr FF had decided that we needed more rhododendrons, preferably the early flowering varieties. They didn't have any for sale at the garden but recommended Glendoick Garden Centre near Perth, which specialises in rhodies.

En route we called at Binny Plants in West Lothian, a proper nursery not a garden centre, no cards or flowery gift items in sight, nothing but beautiful healthy plants. I only bought a hellebore to add to my collection, White Lady, as you'd expect white but with interesting pink spots. It has nearly finished flowering so not worth photographing, but next year it will be stunning.

Then over the Forth and on to Perth. Yes it was a dull wet day so no gardening time was wasted.Firstly at Glendoick a fortifying bowl of soup while Mr FF read the paper and I contemplated the immaculate gardens. Eventually I had to leave him reading to start looking round as I just couldn't wait any longer.

We were fortunate that Carol Baxter, a presenter on BBC Scotland's Beechgrove Garden was on the premises for the weekend and she very kindly came over to offer advice when she saw us dithering. She wisely steered us away from the really early flowerers when we explained our location, 900 feet above sea level in a frost pocket, and we came away with this fine selection. I've only planted Christmas Cheer so far, the pale pink large flowered one on the left, but we have been motivated to clear out and prune some of the front garden to accommodate these treasures and for the moment they look very beautiful standing beside the front steps.