The Garden on 10th April 2008

Overview:
Despite the cold snap, spring is well into its stride. As a Woodland garden, full of Rhododendrons, Camellias and magnolias, Picton is a very special place at this time of year.
TOP TIP: If you’re short of time and can’t explore everywhere, this week’s gems can be found along the path to the Walled Garden; along the Front Drive between the Blue Bell Walk and Peep In Walk; and in Peep-In itself.
The Walk to the South Gardens:
The path to the Walled Garden will be a stunning feature for a few weeks yet, with Camellias Alba plena, Donation and Adolph Addison vying for attention with their striking white, pink and red flowers. Recent frost browned some of the flowers but the colour of new blooms is taking over.
About two-thirds of the way down the path, look to the right and see the Jungle Garden, currently looking a tad forlorn after winter frost and wind but with grand ambitions for the summer. Roddy, our head gardener, and his team have been creative and put up fantastic natural sculptures, which in summer will drip with climbers and creepers to add to the Jurassic feel of the area. The Jungle Garden links to the children’s adventure play area, creating a great work-out for little minds and limbs.
Opposite the jungle garden area, stray off the path and wander among the shrubs (you won’t find ’Stay off the Grass’ signs at Picton – we want you to enjoy it all). Here you will find every shade of pink, red and white in flowering magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons big & small.
Walk Through the Peach House Wood
The Walled Garden is a summer garden so not very colourful at this time of year. If you fancy a walk through tranquil woods and have time, carry on past the Walled Garden entrance and continue into the Peach House Wood. Otherwise, retrace the path back to the courtyard and follow the signs to Bluebell Walk and Peep-In Walk. (And skip the next two paras and go to ‘A Peek Into Peep-In’.)
If you picked the option of carrying on into Peach House Wood, you will find a startling array of Rhododendrons—from tiny miniature azaleas with pretty dainty flowers in subtle pastels to tree-sized Rhododendron Arboreum. The Gunnera trail takes up again in the wood, creating an interesting example of mixed planting—swamp-loving Brazilian giants nuzzling up to mountain-loving Rhododendrons from Nepal, the Himalayas and the Far East.
As you leave the Wood via the avenues that lead to the castle, walk around the south frontage, up onto the castle forecourt (noting the Camellias flowering around the parking area, and azaleas at the crossroads).
A Peek into Peep-In
Now follow the front drive up towards the gate houses, between Bluebell Walk and the Peep In Walk. Lining the drive are more fabulous Rhodies and Azaleas. With white candle flowers on the laurels and conifers providing a green backdrop, this is a lovely sheltered walk, with barely a ripple of wind.
Take a detour into Peep-In by turning right off the front drive where two large tree trunks lie on each side of the roadside. Along that path, you will find clusters of Helibores and bright blue lungwort. Continue to the end of the path and turn right at the fallen woman (or rest on her if you will).
Along the path, to the right, you’ll find the Myrtle Avenue. ‘Tis said that if you dream of myrtle, your desires will be gratified and pleasures will possess you! So go on – walk through it, see it, smell it and maybe you’ll dream of it!
At the end of the avenue, turn left towards the tree fern glade. Before you go down the steps to the glade, look up and admire the pretty Pieris Forest Flame. A common enough sight in suburban gardens but few reach such heights.
Now follow the path to the right to see two red Azalea hinodo-giri, flanking the path like abandoned bullfighter’s capes. A certain smell may now be apparent – the attractive yellow lily-type plants in the stream are skunk cabbage and they sure do stink! Children think they are hilarious – why do kids always like horrid things?
Before you escape the stench, look out for the Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum standing by the stream just before you exit Peep-In. At the time of writing, leaf buds were fit to burst. It should be a stunning sight soon.
As you leave us, going from courtyard to car park on the Entrance Path, look right to see the sleeping giants. A large Gunnera swamp has been exposed this winter by Roddy and his team. Within a few weeks, these huge leaved plants will create a massive canopy of ‘rhubarb’ leaves. It promises to be an amazing sight!
Do come back to see the mid and late Rhodies in flower, and the Gunnera reach gigantic proportions! Why not buy a season ticket so you can visit again and again without paying again! (And you’ll get a free cuppa at Maria’s every time you come.)
We hope you enjoyed your visit.