Five years ago we planted The Shelter Belt, a mini woodland and hedgerow all along the eastern-most perimeter of the gardens where we are bounded by open farmland. The east wind is dry and bitterly cold in winter-time, so we had to prioritise the creation of a windbreak to protect the infant gardens. At the time we planted tiny saplings of over 800 native trees and bushes hoping to create a wildlife corridor which would provide nesting areas, berries in Autumn and blossom in Spring. This year the plants are finally beginning to weave together and create a thicket of Hawthorn, Birch, Scots Pine, Oak, Dog-rose, Honeysuckle, Rowan, Hazel and Crab Apple.
Some of the trees were planted too close together so we have been thinning them out and moving these spare trees to other sites on the estate. It is sobering to think that were we to buy them now, these 3 metre high trees would cost us hundreds of pounds per tree – so not only have we saved thousands of pounds but we have the satisfaction of knowing that these Bannockburn raised trees are disease free – and the residents have moved in.
Our snowdrops and crocuses have been patently waiting for warm, sunny days to open their generous petals to the early spring insects but sunny days have been few, rainy days quite common and the temperature has stayed resolutely low, so much so that neither bees nor open crocuses have been much in evidence. Thankfully this last week has been so much milder, and the flowers seemed much happier, spreading their petals wide. I was even lucky enough to see a massive bumble bee flying around the Enclosed Garden in the sunshine. I made a mental to note to ensure that we have a many more winter-flowering shrubs in place by next year so that there will be a healthy supply of pollen for early spring foragers. Maybe this is something you could do too? Hamamelis ( Witch Hazel), Mahonia ( Oregon grape), Lonicera fragrantissima (Winter Honeysuckle) Hellebores, Snowdrops and Winter Aconite are some plants worth considering for a sunny spot in your own garden.
Have you thought about what you intend to grow in your garden this year? It’s not too late to get planning but don’t put it off too much longer. We are about to start off the season any day now, just waiting for the new moon and then we will begin sowing seeds for the vegetables we are growing – cabbages, onions, beetroot, broad beans and sweet peas ( though we started them a month ago).
Bannockburn house will be running the Tattie -growing project again this year. So if you are interested, or maybe want to teach your children or grandchildren how to grow potatoes, keep your eyes ‘peeled’ on our Facebook page in late March. We aim to be be giving away the grow-bags with seed potatoes and some compost towards the middle of April. You’ll be able to put your name down on our list to reserve a bag, ‘first come, first serve’ so don’t hesitate.
You could end up with some home-grown, delicious Charlotte potatoes for summer picnics or BBQ’s.
Written by Margaret (photographed below). All images are also from Margaret unless otherwise stated. Margaret is the Head gardener and leads the Gardening team.
