tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90324993678571462402024-03-05T13:49:56.407-08:00The Gardens @ Picton CastleWith 40 acres of Woodland and Walled Garden, trees that date back 3 or 400 years, a unique collection of Rhododendrons and a collection of rare conifers, Picton Castle's glorious gardens need a lot of space to describe. Hence the blog - a way of pointing out what's special when, and of creating a record of what's new. Whew - so much to do, so little time to do it!Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032499367857146240.post-15921062356970763012009-06-15T08:28:00.000-07:002009-06-16T06:45:33.249-07:00The Walled Garden Moves to Centre Stage<div><br />As the late Rhododendrons flare up in the woodlands, scattering flashes of colour where a month ago there was a riotous festival featuring every shade in the rainbow, the walled garden comes into prominence with its summer borders. There are roses old and new, aliums big and small, herbs that promise to alleviate every ailment, and what's left of a great display by gorgeous aquilegia and poppies. Interesting shoots in the borders show there's much more to come so watch this space!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjPQVxLG92o7f7KC_2oLXMocOIiYg-WnCSYp2yWTldcmHwPbxqMQhevM2hM5_1hSGs9MuhRV2ZtwYPibCHGavoR4oxXRht6pK5YV4o7sU2wqoVdpYOSnyL-O8HbEg3yrwOCUMzFF6hYs/s1600-h/Collection+of+succulents,+many+from+canary+island,+not+hardy,+over-wintered+indoors.++Pinks+are+aeoniums..JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347584365268492770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjPQVxLG92o7f7KC_2oLXMocOIiYg-WnCSYp2yWTldcmHwPbxqMQhevM2hM5_1hSGs9MuhRV2ZtwYPibCHGavoR4oxXRht6pK5YV4o7sU2wqoVdpYOSnyL-O8HbEg3yrwOCUMzFF6hYs/s320/Collection+of+succulents,+many+from+canary+island,+not+hardy,+over-wintered+indoors.++Pinks+are+aeoniums..JPG" border="0" /></a><br />To the right of the entrance to the walled garden, nestling in a neat scree, is a collection of succulents, many from the Canary Islands. For this southern African author, this is a reminder of home - colours like the soft pink shades of aeoniums and the brilliant Mesembryanthemum 'Livingstone Daisy' emerge from the hard grey surround as they do in dry and dusty gardens all over central & southern Africa. Roddy the head gardeners asks me to mention they are not hardy and had to be over-wintered under cover.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAU9cDNxRRT_sjEDnLAkAnTszdpAonkZ08z2EGaBG_7SEDrSPTKhNSREudWD_HOHNK-Lf-rkIJZVkbGFlkfSY6d0fl7F48eXyhPdrnv9PgcY8I7qfBdYNNk4rJfM2tV-_Jc6BlN7yMrI/s1600-h/P6140024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347590350817633954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAU9cDNxRRT_sjEDnLAkAnTszdpAonkZ08z2EGaBG_7SEDrSPTKhNSREudWD_HOHNK-Lf-rkIJZVkbGFlkfSY6d0fl7F48eXyhPdrnv9PgcY8I7qfBdYNNk4rJfM2tV-_Jc6BlN7yMrI/s200/P6140024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There's so much going on, this blog could last a month so we've settled on a rose theme. Stunning climbing roses add colour and texture to the walls on the south facing side.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUirYHamDthZuix6502oFzM0vLUjTeKedFtBkx-LZXMbbSUaHj_nKwGb6FxJUr_qVHiPFf3gTch8IfOKXK9nwLm6JiCM18Hhb2Mo7-_DV17siOcx-ClqJxi8p4uY2tKDF7_STjojtQQA/s1600-h/rosa+moyseia.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347912979369868930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUirYHamDthZuix6502oFzM0vLUjTeKedFtBkx-LZXMbbSUaHj_nKwGb6FxJUr_qVHiPFf3gTch8IfOKXK9nwLm6JiCM18Hhb2Mo7-_DV17siOcx-ClqJxi8p4uY2tKDF7_STjojtQQA/s200/rosa+moyseia.JPG" border="0" /></a>The saying that 'the old ones are the best ones' could refer as much to roses as jokes. The red Rosa Moyseia, the Purpureus cystis and heavily fragrant Rosa Fantin Latour are utterly heavenly.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1FGfyVUg6vvkT2l7NoV8Y2kGjQpdRYoqRTpSV0zJtFRSwEUNn8aDdGeKvUhPnNC-HEpVKp7o5RR6fHxtg_A-LoNyUW6oqapRUXikIJt1FBPrr4MprngLBoply8YPNwuozfzMnt_smc8/s1600-h/purpureus+cystis.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347590736704357922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1FGfyVUg6vvkT2l7NoV8Y2kGjQpdRYoqRTpSV0zJtFRSwEUNn8aDdGeKvUhPnNC-HEpVKp7o5RR6fHxtg_A-LoNyUW6oqapRUXikIJt1FBPrr4MprngLBoply8YPNwuozfzMnt_smc8/s200/purpureus+cystis.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GNB_eOuETtPEleT4k3IFcwqkRAqaK3SUkuNrVW81XQSiqz6mCuqNiM_qO1Zh8zvWnwKVisGxEHQsy3oqaug84ZiklHgYEL32kWSum2N3x-CvktjXuCL6ikcWmI51ugdcBk8SZ6T9eaQ/s1600-h/P6140053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347596331502579074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GNB_eOuETtPEleT4k3IFcwqkRAqaK3SUkuNrVW81XQSiqz6mCuqNiM_qO1Zh8zvWnwKVisGxEHQsy3oqaug84ZiklHgYEL32kWSum2N3x-CvktjXuCL6ikcWmI51ugdcBk8SZ6T9eaQ/s200/P6140053.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHMtwkdGm4drEkk8XsLU-4aFE_ZpmNqLSGTXJzjAWAAlQwWiicj45c5hXakfWL1vlAQ41COEdEIHq1-rnb4mCEjrOsoakyEoOwQjP0_doUasjgpiM_IdR8VO0nJ1Omec2RQRolx3lz3I/s1600-h/P6140026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347592310898033154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHMtwkdGm4drEkk8XsLU-4aFE_ZpmNqLSGTXJzjAWAAlQwWiicj45c5hXakfWL1vlAQ41COEdEIHq1-rnb4mCEjrOsoakyEoOwQjP0_doUasjgpiM_IdR8VO0nJ1Omec2RQRolx3lz3I/s200/P6140026.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />There's an eclectic mix of colours in the herbaceous borders. Here, the purple of Centaurea hypoleuca 'John Coutts' contrasts vibrantly with a red rose rambling up the south facing wall.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWckMUCt3w3r3OOBPMj-4tpzRPu0hyphenhyphenp7o9FXvetkan9KF2am5nGUVyQumtY8kam6ga1o75fjIOPYh5T2erb0wzl5QeTRtaYfvf9mOO68O55NumkeHmLLcO32E0B8KbITPqMW4kzJpW1c/s1600-h/cephalaria.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347594702944755474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWckMUCt3w3r3OOBPMj-4tpzRPu0hyphenhyphenp7o9FXvetkan9KF2am5nGUVyQumtY8kam6ga1o75fjIOPYh5T2erb0wzl5QeTRtaYfvf9mOO68O55NumkeHmLLcO32E0B8KbITPqMW4kzJpW1c/s200/cephalaria.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><br />Within the middle borders is this pretty clustering of yellow, thistle-like Cephalaria macrophale with aquilegia behind.<br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLDuvdCjwBljSr-wTE8WVay-cp2sybVBski12c39R8Lnx7tgc6S3g_8oh5QQc01JEwwFYGFEg1o2AD_iD8lpTVRp_NCMek40X5YTxsJKcmDvWeGTb8sXge82wiBjLzF2HVSeq0NWL_ek/s1600-h/P6140051.JPG"></a></p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9dBM71VgUwLo7KjLCuCg8FYTHnEEFgXsvOUGbGqM80XA7K5l4Hrg7Z1GZj54liteDGu4-0G1qryKAAwlPkWaTk7uaEv7MhtzHMVq_f-VDas5U2qGf24qF9wBWc_TdNri7u88mri6euU/s1600-h/Allium+Cristophii+with+lili+pond+in+the+background.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347917460716276130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9dBM71VgUwLo7KjLCuCg8FYTHnEEFgXsvOUGbGqM80XA7K5l4Hrg7Z1GZj54liteDGu4-0G1qryKAAwlPkWaTk7uaEv7MhtzHMVq_f-VDas5U2qGf24qF9wBWc_TdNri7u88mri6euU/s200/Allium+Cristophii+with+lili+pond+in+the+background.JPG" border="0" /></a>The stunning fat heads of these Allium cristophii add silvery purple accents at ground level, often below creamy clusters of roses climbing over arches.<br /><p></p><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347595066859531138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzTTKUwk0JeOOu5MNGZng0whFDQMkj7qf4Q_woCc8Xno96Had1Y2xDTLmUQjWI3KMrPN-J28vzPIp0OV17MP0_Uq7kWNLYvk_J-Ns1grCwhRlZMFm0KyzCXFSjlXJkIN4If80NfSULTM/s320/P6140062.JPG" border="0" /> In the Avenues, outside the walled garden, this lovely Cornus Kousa demands tactile attention. Papery looking leaves and an old parchment colour make the flowers look completely fake - you have to touch them to be assured they are for real.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347595468913376514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXICpaSn4FrxNFJyYt157t8KrPIQn2qf0py6JJgDIUtUT9-jTtr9lXpcxVq57-e8NuOuEwCG8g13CmCFjjN0tKe6LvHBZUY5CEndN7cFmnKyUyQorZatBzwrVXqtnj2tKi4UZouImigE/s320/Selection+of+roses.+Multi+flora%3B+pink+is+leo%27s+eye%3B+on+right+at+bottom+is+Pawls+Hymalean+Musk.JPG" border="0" /> </div>Most people pop into the loos on their way out, and what nicer farewell than to stroll back past this planting of three roses (Rosa multi flora, Leo's Eye and Pauls Hymalean Musk) on the path that leads back to the car park.Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032499367857146240.post-44304223635324784522009-05-12T08:50:00.000-07:002009-06-16T06:51:24.157-07:00Now the garden is showing off!It’s May & our fabulous woodlands are bursting with springtime colour. Pay a visit and you’ll quickly understand why Picton Castle is famed for its Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias & Magnolias.<br />There is so much to see everywhere & new things are coming into flower every day—it’s a tough job trying to pick out a few ’best things to see’ because it is all so beautiful.<br />How about peeking into Bluebell Walk to see the blue mist, then strolling up the Front Drive to the first right turning to enter Peep-In. After Tree Fern Glade, veer right to return to the Front Drive. Now go<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JduRJ2E0ICPMCvJl2fgMWqJ4MNIEHhH18WQPD6JQ3oplipvqg5tPAjWXhT0SODy4m1vrTlEo5mg-DEyqmxru6nkOkGq08HDYN7uTRf1Ulq8lK9tENoo-t8OG2cV-rbTNSnbiKob6Rw0/s1600-h/P5110047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334966285351213746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JduRJ2E0ICPMCvJl2fgMWqJ4MNIEHhH18WQPD6JQ3oplipvqg5tPAjWXhT0SODy4m1vrTlEo5mg-DEyqmxru6nkOkGq08HDYN7uTRf1Ulq8lK9tENoo-t8OG2cV-rbTNSnbiKob6Rw0/s200/P5110047.JPG" border="0" /></a> onto the castle forecourt and go clockwise around the castle to take in the stunning colour in the Avenues.<br /><br /><em>Viburnam plicatum—to be found along the Front Drive </em><br /><em><br /></em><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334966973301013330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECnKH4wFgwSX1Qg_rQszNYyBmB8bdyXLCEEufIScssXmGJmRhwaN7ecShceuOvnslawMdaLoH6TcBmLSCrO5IErD8ND0OauTiB2XCD3hlbVlsL4GANyWro161E1Ql7ZcMCi40uBZPh9Q/s200/P5110039.JPG" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALA5brO6-t4P1jxJg0yv9myCYO_90KuaeXXD3S8VOtx_-_4UbrpbTQnn83IZq1UJlMCwqE4zIOdfst5Jylkz25BXOwYcgeFYd6wwZTMRLaPR2n9w67eMTCnJTrv-NUdLjmbHgfX96IMI/s1600-h/P5110042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334967306368016018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALA5brO6-t4P1jxJg0yv9myCYO_90KuaeXXD3S8VOtx_-_4UbrpbTQnn83IZq1UJlMCwqE4zIOdfst5Jylkz25BXOwYcgeFYd6wwZTMRLaPR2n9w67eMTCnJTrv-NUdLjmbHgfX96IMI/s200/P5110042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PS1WohvLnOkhSr33o3O7dnqDdBaXMQME07YNbu5_Lv2k88ywaKaDvcLyHJTd2AUj5exxivSPCbVZn3YJ2Z9mPqlqHd2wReSveEX8qkYdQOXgWrLvDNBvxLpHVZUUNWwTVkN31i3y5ng/s1600-h/P5110044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334968534879769714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PS1WohvLnOkhSr33o3O7dnqDdBaXMQME07YNbu5_Lv2k88ywaKaDvcLyHJTd2AUj5exxivSPCbVZn3YJ2Z9mPqlqHd2wReSveEX8qkYdQOXgWrLvDNBvxLpHVZUUNWwTVkN31i3y5ng/s200/P5110044.JPG" border="0" /></a>Doesn’t this rhodie —also on the Front Drive—look like a Tequila Sunrise!<br />Into Peep-In, past the burgeoning herbaceous borders en route to the Fallen Woman, and there's a stunning young, yellow Rhodie set shyly to the left of the path. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECFglye_LRF-RGUGa6t6T9K1RwXGlWFd_2pe57Qs_1du7djXoY2yuhAkxDv1SiiGyFoCuVt0h9taCkTucbY7T8dJIU0Us0foTU-hPNWbtQESPUv51V3UUEMzeLdc64rc1ShO__dMGa48/s1600-h/P5070050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334979096183281826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECFglye_LRF-RGUGa6t6T9K1RwXGlWFd_2pe57Qs_1du7djXoY2yuhAkxDv1SiiGyFoCuVt0h9taCkTucbY7T8dJIU0Us0foTU-hPNWbtQESPUv51V3UUEMzeLdc64rc1ShO__dMGa48/s320/P5070050.JPG" border="0" /></a>It's Rhodie No-Name. This stunner flowered for the first time last year and still hasn't been named. Head gardener Roddy scornfully dismisses all the office suggestions as 'too suburban'. Huh!!<br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon0lNr_-J2kHDHdlBsTOa-vhIJbJ1NdPKeLRzb5MArmO8-X1omfAIyIoxVts5YDukWNRYvgc7_9kjPs07lucICJ6fJxRM-0bZC0oGq2K5DdEQwxXvXaSagCcgPicgBIgZ-ZkTKMg5YFU/s1600-h/P5110037.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334972909505064898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon0lNr_-J2kHDHdlBsTOa-vhIJbJ1NdPKeLRzb5MArmO8-X1omfAIyIoxVts5YDukWNRYvgc7_9kjPs07lucICJ6fJxRM-0bZC0oGq2K5DdEQwxXvXaSagCcgPicgBIgZ-ZkTKMg5YFU/s200/P5110037.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Tree Fern Glade is the source of great relief. After this hard winter, everyone is delighted to see new fronds rising from the trees. There was doubt they would survive the snow and frost. Isn't life wonderful!</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgBN_gzrdMUD5QrN2ROW8H7hC5DBK_Y5BFHaUeoZgt2vhq1iC0Rjt3OQ6r0NjEC-dWVcv1zhfS2cQ0uq4Jzee-WOOSZNetVQ-iVDCHb_SOOhNX0t4XzmsUTeWR0bqSGmzHipFQZW8y5U/s1600-h/P5110035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334973414157263362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgBN_gzrdMUD5QrN2ROW8H7hC5DBK_Y5BFHaUeoZgt2vhq1iC0Rjt3OQ6r0NjEC-dWVcv1zhfS2cQ0uq4Jzee-WOOSZNetVQ-iVDCHb_SOOhNX0t4XzmsUTeWR0bqSGmzHipFQZW8y5U/s200/P5110035.JPG" border="0" /></a>The stink of Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) is with us again, on the approach to the stunning Acer Palmatum purpureum and the enchanting stretch of Primula pulverulenta. Gardeners wonder how long before the Skunk Cabage is banned - it seems to be taking over large stretches of countryside waterways...</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Bluebells, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_LGoA6vlsWk-p0HcEeeRNq5AsrVukU7hdN-g6rSpbc2cGY80WoTwHRYfvzVmOt_pU3ggfGtB-pOf1_0GKKiRb0QVE7xTkyUktJnyl5IeDlbIhQxPcixfgWXUd67Iy_YN5p1YUNEr6gk/s1600-h/P5070012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334979773303701010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_LGoA6vlsWk-p0HcEeeRNq5AsrVukU7hdN-g6rSpbc2cGY80WoTwHRYfvzVmOt_pU3ggfGtB-pOf1_0GKKiRb0QVE7xTkyUktJnyl5IeDlbIhQxPcixfgWXUd67Iy_YN5p1YUNEr6gk/s200/P5070012.JPG" border="0" /></a>azaleas, rhodies and prunus form a colourful scene for the carved heads that guard the front door into the castle. Can't be all bad being a stonehead.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEvzLqUtlJJIbDK940j_WrK0BRLbR-K5hueykCbXUFS39zrmewem-BtCPXkyBIXV_ZUZIyqATRd5cXKLQDNZKwvul0LtnHgCIN65JG42gHeqnYrnmYf8OIheVV9FcZIr3l1YMkzotZk8/s1600-h/yellow+R+Luteum%3B+azaleas+and+R+decorum.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334980388886881730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEvzLqUtlJJIbDK940j_WrK0BRLbR-K5hueykCbXUFS39zrmewem-BtCPXkyBIXV_ZUZIyqATRd5cXKLQDNZKwvul0LtnHgCIN65JG42gHeqnYrnmYf8OIheVV9FcZIr3l1YMkzotZk8/s200/yellow+R+Luteum%3B+azaleas+and+R+decorum.JPG" border="0" /></a>a pity there isn't more opportunity to really enlarge this picture. The colours are stunning. In the front, what Roddy refers to as 'just an ordinary' rhododendron luteum. It deserves more respect than that - the scent is heavenly! Assorted azaleas and a gorgeous white R. decorum in the background.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoOUyT3SrFfq3HjzqP3x2uDe4lrFW9QXCCLVwTS1hfE4pIaL1TwGv9drd13zdM0r8_KGdcScFio_oI7FSYC7Z8f9_IeOWSZxSM1NSEDOAKZns6hyphenhyphenLw9q1Yy-nxovfDi7kJtE3_TWozYU/s1600-h/R+Hinyo+Giro+%26+R+Hinoymayo+in+foreground++%26+Vibernum+plicatum+(Japanese+Snowball+Bush)+grandiflorum+to+the+right.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334975438416063922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoOUyT3SrFfq3HjzqP3x2uDe4lrFW9QXCCLVwTS1hfE4pIaL1TwGv9drd13zdM0r8_KGdcScFio_oI7FSYC7Z8f9_IeOWSZxSM1NSEDOAKZns6hyphenhyphenLw9q1Yy-nxovfDi7kJtE3_TWozYU/s200/R+Hinyo+Giro+%26+R+Hinoymayo+in+foreground++%26+Vibernum+plicatum+(Japanese+Snowball+Bush)+grandiflorum+to+the+right.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>On the corner of the path between Walled Garden and courtyard is a lovely medley of R Hinyo Giro and R Hinyo mayo, and a Vibernum plicatum (Japanese Snowball Bush) Grandilorum to the right.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFPUqiViP9rXRSu_HOZLRGocj_zR53h04pfR5SGknZpvwu3S4botyuHWeVrAT2wcYn1KfhuRtOuUfvyGc853inyMuhdw8hLpcwyGO3NrtJrMVlGvVIpZcVRxqo1lyoapEtTzfZfMEwLY/s1600-h/F.+M+x+soulangeana+%27Lennei%27,+azalea+and+M+x+soulangeana+02.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334975943813945202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFPUqiViP9rXRSu_HOZLRGocj_zR53h04pfR5SGknZpvwu3S4botyuHWeVrAT2wcYn1KfhuRtOuUfvyGc853inyMuhdw8hLpcwyGO3NrtJrMVlGvVIpZcVRxqo1lyoapEtTzfZfMEwLY/s200/F.+M+x+soulangeana+%27Lennei%27,+azalea+and+M+x+soulangeana+02.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There's a bench in the middle of this pink haze. Be Barbie for a few minutes while you enjoy the vibrant colours of Magnolia x soulangeana 'Lennei', another azalea hinyo and a M. soulangeana in a cluster.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQJ9PkMbxDGoZo0A8Ps81FdIjGFs7_GlJaPxBTiRSNBMzO4xzzyiV-o6EDJbRe9nieEYZYgOhcpoRN1GOJDvApui3D3rG9hcbtNUm24AUzi9hZlO8ITAXb-qkSj6nvF_8cdLndg_XZyw/s1600-h/P5120014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334976460397381330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQJ9PkMbxDGoZo0A8Ps81FdIjGFs7_GlJaPxBTiRSNBMzO4xzzyiV-o6EDJbRe9nieEYZYgOhcpoRN1GOJDvApui3D3rG9hcbtNUm24AUzi9hZlO8ITAXb-qkSj6nvF_8cdLndg_XZyw/s320/P5120014.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>It's Old Port time again! Gardener Karen obligingly drove the tractor and trailer in front of what we think is the world's biggest rhododendron, to show the scale of the huge plant. It's stunning - a true natural wonder. In some ways, it's a shame it's in front of a Sequioadendron tree - the world's largest living thing - as the size of the tree makes the rhodie look small!</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Tk6z1G-r9Ym2vznsBJW6S10Lz48DHN8holR1FIMSOuA_JbgGheMCYIO8P9lRdur-LD5-fNl7_86XPGqaNuMHKb4bWfAT7v6ZIYeL7-IESzQ8hoUjbtn-6s4Z1WBtN_kg8FCeko0sHWs/s1600-h/P5120023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334977350517797682" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Tk6z1G-r9Ym2vznsBJW6S10Lz48DHN8holR1FIMSOuA_JbgGheMCYIO8P9lRdur-LD5-fNl7_86XPGqaNuMHKb4bWfAT7v6ZIYeL7-IESzQ8hoUjbtn-6s4Z1WBtN_kg8FCeko0sHWs/s320/P5120023.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>And finally, the jewel in the crown. The fabulous red of R. Picton Surprise is just coming into flower - you could find it as you approached the courtyard on the path from the walled garden. It really is an amazing colour. </div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Try to come and see us. The colours, diversity and scale of the woodland gardens are just too much to sum up in this small space. </div>Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032499367857146240.post-18640742371988173372009-03-24T05:36:00.000-07:002010-07-21T05:41:14.213-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E0qFv1CKsVU_PUsKlZt1dsP9N8rS9vWP4_cgvVgI8jEMOa9lpldeRIQaVxst56hReg-IvKQsENyRizRyESWTrlfXlCmGYLP67qi1T5O9LhVet4f5f3t6FU_o5XXqpf7kXKBhJ1gJw-Q/s1600-h/Magnolias+Stellata+and+Cambellii.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316771800754154178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 387px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E0qFv1CKsVU_PUsKlZt1dsP9N8rS9vWP4_cgvVgI8jEMOa9lpldeRIQaVxst56hReg-IvKQsENyRizRyESWTrlfXlCmGYLP67qi1T5O9LhVet4f5f3t6FU_o5XXqpf7kXKBhJ1gJw-Q/s400/Magnolias+Stellata+and+Cambellii.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div> March – THE SPRING SPECTACULAR BEGINS<br /><br />Although we open to day visitors on 1st April, there are a good many people wandering around the gardens already. They’re mainly our garden group members, alerted last week that the incredible Magnolia Cambellii x Robusta was in flower, and savvy season ticket holders who walk the gardens year round.<br /><br />The best things to see now are on the path to the walled garden (which is still taking its time to wake up to spring) and on the Front Drive leading into Peep-In.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x-iQaYXoolJGtCJ0Ml_3loQRuqYPdvt-rOmJTSI49rFxkUsfG90znzW0G-X6PlyyqFKKZMm7P-I02xTh6RAXv1TUazmTYfGpgZy6tRIqJdOVqQKdlDeCJCc9PogsMw9s130PfSWyHXE/s1600-h/Rho+Sheldonii+with+M+Cambellii.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316767522355949330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x-iQaYXoolJGtCJ0Ml_3loQRuqYPdvt-rOmJTSI49rFxkUsfG90znzW0G-X6PlyyqFKKZMm7P-I02xTh6RAXv1TUazmTYfGpgZy6tRIqJdOVqQKdlDeCJCc9PogsMw9s130PfSWyHXE/s320/Rho+Sheldonii+with+M+Cambellii.gif" border="0" /></a><br />The absolute star of the garden is the outrageously, awesomely beautiful Cambellii. Sadly the lawn around it is thick with its waxy petals. Having wowed the crowds (well – up to six people at a time) for two weeks, it is now on its way out. The Magnolia Stellata opposite on the edge of the avenues is about to break and other Magnolias scattered through the Avenues are already heavy with blossom.<br /><br />On the same path, Camellias Alba Plena, Donation and Adolph Addison are gearing up for a major show, with a backdrop of contrasting Rhododendrons already in vibrant colour. Look out for Rhododendron Sheldonii – these vibrantly red varieties are just beginning to flower and should be stunners for a couple of weeks to come.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Rq-UX6GmZTBN0QqKHrggcpoPHxqQselMNLaWpdY4sbRHbK9aTEeqVKCk0V14YR0BZdrnrVnCAikWDID_IA1NcZKBr3ro45Wv43EkBimya6edZ2r3iA28aEnREHNwL9IsqGhdeREHEJ8/s1600-h/Prunus+Okame.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316768650269680754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Rq-UX6GmZTBN0QqKHrggcpoPHxqQselMNLaWpdY4sbRHbK9aTEeqVKCk0V14YR0BZdrnrVnCAikWDID_IA1NcZKBr3ro45Wv43EkBimya6edZ2r3iA28aEnREHNwL9IsqGhdeREHEJ8/s320/Prunus+Okame.gif" border="0" /></a>Further south, there’s a pretty Prunus Okame in flower, with hellibores and daffodils sprinkled around it in the grass – an idyllic little woodland tableau on a more delicate scale than the flamboyant Rhodies.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFFQVtSQ_lDD8BAYyTP1r33fvwUBD-LSzxWoX29jUcv1y81lHIN56YqPiQLKpQ81ayvwoT-b8pbdMLv-iAd6aYocgS1nhz2lS3VgapPup2lYWKaRoK-obQ285KsQnwW4TamolYONvJHE/s1600-h/Pink+Rhodie+and+cambellii.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316769364374515298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFFQVtSQ_lDD8BAYyTP1r33fvwUBD-LSzxWoX29jUcv1y81lHIN56YqPiQLKpQ81ayvwoT-b8pbdMLv-iAd6aYocgS1nhz2lS3VgapPup2lYWKaRoK-obQ285KsQnwW4TamolYONvJHE/s320/Pink+Rhodie+and+cambellii.gif" border="0" /></a><br />The Front Drive is more a series of competent soloists rather than the full orchestra at present, although bristling buds indicate that is soon to change. Rhododendron Arboreum, and others, are beginning to bloom high in the trees where they get the most sunlight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwUa78BUHTyDoXiPM8OK3Lv01IfOGEG1HV9-nowLwWnR_9wBHGBiZhRHaQNL223SqLgXSaowkOwObwrbK5qqK2JdtbDPJjEaW0VGe5s7_WW-fUQAz41dZkl56rARhxIY9RX-BF3QZt7c/s1600-h/hellibores,+blue+lungwort.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316770078222011074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwUa78BUHTyDoXiPM8OK3Lv01IfOGEG1HV9-nowLwWnR_9wBHGBiZhRHaQNL223SqLgXSaowkOwObwrbK5qqK2JdtbDPJjEaW0VGe5s7_WW-fUQAz41dZkl56rARhxIY9RX-BF3QZt7c/s320/hellibores,+blue+lungwort.gif" border="0" /></a>In Peep-In, the herbaceous border leading to the fallen woman is a mass of lovely hellibores, blue lungwort and young Rhododendrons in delicate white flower.<br /><br />When you reach the fallen woman, established Rhodies in yellow, cream, white, pastel pink and near red beckon through the leafless trees. My camera does not even begin to capture the magic of enticing glimpses of colour drawing one ever deeper into the wood. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8olwKaaY2O4PLggciCCsvv44jltxXcG1P7dAHJ6oULUK4mCXi8Y533fjti1SUD5qJCWnyN8fj0RQ7I5SgryTa3YhGW6VbiySe1zXX-FYZwQsHn9Mf7tkH7yHB12GglKs8dfgMldj1e4M/s1600-h/Rhodies+wherever+you+look.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316770490123642994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8olwKaaY2O4PLggciCCsvv44jltxXcG1P7dAHJ6oULUK4mCXi8Y533fjti1SUD5qJCWnyN8fj0RQ7I5SgryTa3YhGW6VbiySe1zXX-FYZwQsHn9Mf7tkH7yHB12GglKs8dfgMldj1e4M/s320/Rhodies+wherever+you+look.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It’s just a week until we open to day visitors. They have a real treat in store for them! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032499367857146240.post-8911353397107120882009-02-10T05:33:00.000-08:002009-02-10T07:31:18.959-08:00SIGNS OF SPRING IN THE SNOW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXINZ68W9EZvQL9sQNX05ZuMMxq7DgZ4Tuly8Zbrcvi2lii9v1xSK-eULYIfI0bwNqKyxpB1Z7lF51eVFu4pgC-B1tuzuLSdQLaEJDo_M2uQwMYdWx9f7CrwiNDLUNe7GqDI0MHIWN50/s1600-h/P1010114.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301188752582890770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXINZ68W9EZvQL9sQNX05ZuMMxq7DgZ4Tuly8Zbrcvi2lii9v1xSK-eULYIfI0bwNqKyxpB1Z7lF51eVFu4pgC-B1tuzuLSdQLaEJDo_M2uQwMYdWx9f7CrwiNDLUNe7GqDI0MHIWN50/s400/P1010114.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>If you think February gardens are grey and boring, think again. At Picton Castle, there are pretty stirrings of colour in the woodlands, and succulent buds bristle with promise of wonderful things to come, some within a week or two.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LKNKjALIlqIqAhm5qScDZ0kgcm0NTCvz3OOQCrSELYCTw1xNi89YnZ7HZGtdAMMhuCp8upczhlEP9ZnQpN76g5jzZH_QDlhqxxMaouRhik0cdeTklwCcoO6acYfuvPxmlUgWqmGDOhM/s1600-h/P1010050.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301187234264566818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeejsGubza38KhtRobJd7u4QNNpSSLDHAKySE5DL9x3K9zjIHdPYTfMpjKgQ31qFIT5i7Y3-T3f9M7xJFY_DitqjF7j7IDfb5n-qt6D1Dwk8NnHTiQOuWI4P-tegLfxvIZslheQVbmIw/s320/Early+flowering+Rhododendron.JPG" border="0" /> Some brave Rhododendron are already in the flower – notably a very large tree-like specimen in Peep-In Walk and another in the Avenues. Photographed after last week’s snow, the flowers are a little bruised by cold but still a welcome splash of colour.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjakAgZlOujy65S56o0-E0PU9rqWbmlS5enf-mDMJDLNQrQSVG_KyunEc7zJdsXrfBCG2wFBes2RZvzXLKP3-oIxs92W5RXmtKGF8lGSXXsgeZqMczbrTVh0m86kGV2Le4tb4H6O5ygVg/s1600-h/P1010072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301164823448079586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjakAgZlOujy65S56o0-E0PU9rqWbmlS5enf-mDMJDLNQrQSVG_KyunEc7zJdsXrfBCG2wFBes2RZvzXLKP3-oIxs92W5RXmtKGF8lGSXXsgeZqMczbrTVh0m86kGV2Le4tb4H6O5ygVg/s320/P1010072.JPG" border="0" /></a> Smart planting of hellibores and snowdrops together bring a delicate touch to ground level in the Avenues. This is probably the only part of the garden where you have to go ‘off-path’ and it’s a tricky business trying not to step on the masses of daffodils, bluebells and other bulbs thrusting through the grass. It’s worth making hop-skip-and-jump progress around the towering trees and budding shrubs to see what’ll happen next.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8zg_PDycOKdBwIlROeUpOiJ0iHyoCVL88KNt05Q4lQycRdIvyZKQSUxCsEkBn45k1QZc5OlJNS0hPEMPQjRa4Fw4oMOgLZREe9VWZ8JkZqoui2YRbtQbdEzwPeDEz0Gy4oXcIbUD7BA/s1600-h/captioned+magnolia+cambellii+X+r.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301190334770818946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8zg_PDycOKdBwIlROeUpOiJ0iHyoCVL88KNt05Q4lQycRdIvyZKQSUxCsEkBn45k1QZc5OlJNS0hPEMPQjRa4Fw4oMOgLZREe9VWZ8JkZqoui2YRbtQbdEzwPeDEz0Gy4oXcIbUD7BA/s400/captioned+magnolia+cambellii+X+r.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There’s a race among the Magnolia to spring into flower. The photo archive reveals an interesting contrast between last year and this year. The 2008 picture of a splendid Magnolia Cambellii x Robusta was taken in late February. The snowbound picture was taken on 5th February 2009, but tight grey buds seem unlikely to ‘ripen’ within two weeks. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28etlftiapq6EN6cmBUYstzkgU7QCCXX4CsD37UgKZbA35HnXWpt2KRyQzfiVLRj3W2D8SNpikBNdSBE1dVLhyveAWXl3O8XXLtjaHB3RUf3WKEHQec5KigzzydOU1g43XYDsDWzjAXs/s1600-h/captioned+magnolia+c+x+r+buds.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o_ojjwYTNz4glCGYbvqeyf7XHbKZDFrU1jSfPkfjzK8IAB0sQ8q56QMT3FWyN656K_joGdJq3-a04NLxt2KOr39AdwdCHfpH94FKZJXXBeDtvruUGTSPbws0JgUSRL6ekXlCE5hAGPM/s1600-h/captioned+landscape+magnolia+cambellii.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301165690323212434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 292px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o_ojjwYTNz4glCGYbvqeyf7XHbKZDFrU1jSfPkfjzK8IAB0sQ8q56QMT3FWyN656K_joGdJq3-a04NLxt2KOr39AdwdCHfpH94FKZJXXBeDtvruUGTSPbws0JgUSRL6ekXlCE5hAGPM/s320/captioned+landscape+magnolia+cambellii.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPCAR2CqM0cWER6f3uUBNj7Mr25Z8WuJQxH4BR-AlSWviiQwTeJL4QY6xJfQUqZSyT9eVcvp6MBgaFC2ZC3KTtGnrZZ036Zii6VO8IkMQthcgsEM95v0RkUXUNggmTyZbBzI3WAqeYh0/s1600-h/captioned+Rh+Nob+with+Mag+Stell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301163037245280722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 251px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPCAR2CqM0cWER6f3uUBNj7Mr25Z8WuJQxH4BR-AlSWviiQwTeJL4QY6xJfQUqZSyT9eVcvp6MBgaFC2ZC3KTtGnrZZ036Zii6VO8IkMQthcgsEM95v0RkUXUNggmTyZbBzI3WAqeYh0/s400/captioned+Rh+Nob+with+Mag+Stell.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Nearby a Magnolia Stellata (photographed here in the background, behind a Rho. Nobleanum) is going great guns to make a show for next week’s Half Term opening. We’ll track progress.<br /></div><div>Peep-In is probably the most interesting part of the woodlands right now.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CyuLMNbHsHUdrbQJuYAXQ-TjQqD0vn_O47WC-kGYlyH1lDFS3MpbCN9OGI4bAzlRnju55G7H_wS2VJRrEIlBccnP6Chk9VUmbFEd-F1N-aCgZaQGZW0yUQLWAZDAF_c2NLXhjonAHl8/s1600-h/winter+aconites.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301188119541241490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CyuLMNbHsHUdrbQJuYAXQ-TjQqD0vn_O47WC-kGYlyH1lDFS3MpbCN9OGI4bAzlRnju55G7H_wS2VJRrEIlBccnP6Chk9VUmbFEd-F1N-aCgZaQGZW0yUQLWAZDAF_c2NLXhjonAHl8/s200/winter+aconites.JPG" border="0" /></a> A splattering of cheerful yellow Winter Aconites look lovely in a herbaceous border but bring despair to head gardener Roddy Milne. His team planted a dozens of them but the woodland mice seem to have feasted during the lean winter months! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Jz4LcSASbQtWB_s4phTdglCldHKwwsabpW2aVzmVnnsSrXbLYwxgZnKTjYyRmnLRG9P46ySZb7AI5aMiGZxNxNn9mmVogK6Mg6bDDgu5oBDTC0D9c7cwmzIARVvUPfkhHvfvO0_gjNg/s1600-h/tree+ferns+in+the+snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301170692429095970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 193px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Jz4LcSASbQtWB_s4phTdglCldHKwwsabpW2aVzmVnnsSrXbLYwxgZnKTjYyRmnLRG9P46ySZb7AI5aMiGZxNxNn9mmVogK6Mg6bDDgu5oBDTC0D9c7cwmzIARVvUPfkhHvfvO0_gjNg/s200/tree+ferns+in+the+snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The tree fern glade has a slightly comical air, with ferns like wounded arachnia wearing straw caps to protect their crowns from frost.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmotAwuyfc0-NQNNYw7MJiMteY9Hl1TeKA5Wg_kB8d4hUDXd1FvIaPxhou_GBFiAOXSbjs9roTsDJ9U9De1qBFwpuLGt8rMdpX_6my01PHk1LvwbyvKeNAKyDT9KtTaSbKeOmucStMzs/s1600-h/P1010058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301167489298085058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmotAwuyfc0-NQNNYw7MJiMteY9Hl1TeKA5Wg_kB8d4hUDXd1FvIaPxhou_GBFiAOXSbjs9roTsDJ9U9De1qBFwpuLGt8rMdpX_6my01PHk1LvwbyvKeNAKyDT9KtTaSbKeOmucStMzs/s200/P1010058.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Nearby, in the winter light, the cocoa brown trunks of the myrtle avenue gleam in the winter sunshine, creating a magical pathway.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FT9HQk0IwMtnW_jE5Q_MaQWRsyxtkmftb-WBDxLaDbrK2w-foA-WeetQx8bp462atOfh-L0Yritk0nAKDuIec0WenNDy6v1vUFvNremMG3qD9Yup2SfDp8TGfB7gZ8MoJOg-jNDiw8I/s1600-h/bamboo+by+dew+pond.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301170936337609378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FT9HQk0IwMtnW_jE5Q_MaQWRsyxtkmftb-WBDxLaDbrK2w-foA-WeetQx8bp462atOfh-L0Yritk0nAKDuIec0WenNDy6v1vUFvNremMG3qD9Yup2SfDp8TGfB7gZ8MoJOg-jNDiw8I/s400/bamboo+by+dew+pond.jpg" border="0" /></a>Clumbs of whispering bamboos provide linear greenery in unexpected places and laurels brace against cold winds, providing the shelter against vicious weather. It's is the sheltered environment that allows Picton’s famous Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Magnolias to thrive, and that make a winter walk in the woods such a delight. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032499367857146240.post-35000635031969505822008-06-20T07:20:00.001-07:002008-12-08T15:53:45.320-08:00IT'S FLAMING JUNE - HERE'S THE TOP TEN THINGS TO SEELong hours of daylight and warmth mean rampant growth so it’s hard to keep up with everything that’s coming up, but the summer themes are well and truly established. Here are our Top Ten things to see at mid-Summer.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMh41RTTOZaiQUcyFd56twId_9AsdAMddbfEsqJRx43JBIY5d6RP5DMAP9Suka32Sbwn7QgcabEwGDr_rpvc09br7b5mU5t8w5Z6KLZj_hbMPlNm4e5JAPUnmJRydLvhc9lZabWMUEz4/s1600-h/P1010054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213968724662704354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" height="207" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMh41RTTOZaiQUcyFd56twId_9AsdAMddbfEsqJRx43JBIY5d6RP5DMAP9Suka32Sbwn7QgcabEwGDr_rpvc09br7b5mU5t8w5Z6KLZj_hbMPlNm4e5JAPUnmJRydLvhc9lZabWMUEz4/s320/P1010054.JPG" width="269" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div><strong>Number 10: Woodland Perennials</strong> in Peep-In. Stroll up the front drive and turn right by the fallen tree trunks onto a path rich in woodland perennials. A riot of texture, colour and form, they’re the result of a nursery clear-out in the spring when excess stock was randomly planted and left to fend for themselves!</div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwycRTcacWF-y8Wdnqf8wN1USLS-BJHbb7v6oLgofe_oH24BGxQpR8-CawhcxBdjXpQ1HeDPEgs3TARHjNxcLqbfmfykKkc_c-q0Yx4TWaWEyqE307fyc2wBjEi7FN6fUBFg1cIlImPg/s1600-h/dscn2226.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213977393186924146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="290" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwycRTcacWF-y8Wdnqf8wN1USLS-BJHbb7v6oLgofe_oH24BGxQpR8-CawhcxBdjXpQ1HeDPEgs3TARHjNxcLqbfmfykKkc_c-q0Yx4TWaWEyqE307fyc2wBjEi7FN6fUBFg1cIlImPg/s320/dscn2226.jpg" width="209" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><strong>Number 9: Ferns,</strong> in the tree fern glade in Peep-In, along the approach to Peach House Wood and in the Walled Garden’s indoor Fernery. There’s more than 60 varieties of fern along the path leading to Peach House Wood alone. The lush, cool woodland provides a perfect refuge from bright summer sunlight.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8iqb46v_C6NHC9Uau1yMdc0-e2IsKObypuuEOu4CUFPwvtRpN6U_uJGgymbN5AATfnhAko2E6EtP4lOgWbaM9mPPf7yygiZnLw1esWdHC52MeK1aA8C4z3VHUMcPVhbYY6GgnnO-3xE/s1600-h/P1010116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213970239842769730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="198" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8iqb46v_C6NHC9Uau1yMdc0-e2IsKObypuuEOu4CUFPwvtRpN6U_uJGgymbN5AATfnhAko2E6EtP4lOgWbaM9mPPf7yygiZnLw1esWdHC52MeK1aA8C4z3VHUMcPVhbYY6GgnnO-3xE/s320/P1010116.JPG" width="258" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><strong>Number 8: Gunneras</strong> threading through the woodlands, featuring large by the car park, re-appearing in the Avenues and going mad in the deep gulley in Peach House Wood. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKAsOFid-9XStCsc9oiwVoiXYU1ezj5fCt1unXG19EQxf_cQDYi1c11Cx-KOPIyIzD6YJFlgUejq6GkKwNrnZcZCDWU7AoBDuKIE46JsM7zvhF1XciNADBdSLr5kEpXOUysZTl_uAc30/s1600-h/dscn2236.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213978882888812930" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="292" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKAsOFid-9XStCsc9oiwVoiXYU1ezj5fCt1unXG19EQxf_cQDYi1c11Cx-KOPIyIzD6YJFlgUejq6GkKwNrnZcZCDWU7AoBDuKIE46JsM7zvhF1XciNADBdSLr5kEpXOUysZTl_uAc30/s320/dscn2236.jpg" width="213" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Number 7: The Maze,</strong> on the way to the Jungle Garden. Don’t pop into the maze to admire the variety of traditional British hedging while in a hurry. It is very pretty and the birdsong is stupendous in the trees overhead, but escape is quite difficult! </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvD4p8aQIpkhL9fViQewab0oZpwokdHfPaCalosZb87BWwRVSsHHPYhZczyV4eVFoFW7iohiRv_AyORto6aax48geVpU5yB_g-Cs7QFD1nBtYlwbtbwGkro4myBfzoxxp7aymz0HTlaQ/s1600-h/P1010060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213971755195768418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="213" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvD4p8aQIpkhL9fViQewab0oZpwokdHfPaCalosZb87BWwRVSsHHPYhZczyV4eVFoFW7iohiRv_AyORto6aax48geVpU5yB_g-Cs7QFD1nBtYlwbtbwGkro4myBfzoxxp7aymz0HTlaQ/s320/P1010060.JPG" width="296" border="0" /></a></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Number 6: The Jungle Garden</strong>, on the way to the Walled Garden. The banana trees are unfurling huge leaves; daisies dance alongside gingers and cannas. This part of the garden will surely be Number 1 in a matter of weeks! </div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtymtvKcoEQGUHr_4WZtsxpJ9ZwXuWD3ClWNgrAbAhRbb2tnVmqHXlF2YN_u4EVOnAy3_tlph_UNSCyRWbM_FPlN2qrzm6v_M4dI2dHW60x_0tEakoJj-O1Wpk4cWGgRSvg9__4EyTgY/s1600-h/P1010082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213972165994676994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" height="228" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtymtvKcoEQGUHr_4WZtsxpJ9ZwXuWD3ClWNgrAbAhRbb2tnVmqHXlF2YN_u4EVOnAy3_tlph_UNSCyRWbM_FPlN2qrzm6v_M4dI2dHW60x_0tEakoJj-O1Wpk4cWGgRSvg9__4EyTgY/s320/P1010082.JPG" width="304" border="0" /></a><br /><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Number 5: Acers and Azaleas</strong>, in Peep-In and in the Avenues. The flamboyant colours of spring are now but a memory, but there are still great splashes of colour in the woodlands thanks to vibrant and strident azaleas in Peep-In and the Avenues. </div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sny8e8sRHzUNHeXHbYUViMCHl6kvqwvjUiL1mLr5lOoccl5SGAm5So2il_9cyWHJHEj20D1uFSu721y6RxqXMqQSJGwgebbo2IuO4hq3Mbi2HBw1VROzucbbIwoyTK436xxYSPxlnHo/s1600-h/BLOG+ECHIUM.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213973742569383922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sny8e8sRHzUNHeXHbYUViMCHl6kvqwvjUiL1mLr5lOoccl5SGAm5So2il_9cyWHJHEj20D1uFSu721y6RxqXMqQSJGwgebbo2IuO4hq3Mbi2HBw1VROzucbbIwoyTK436xxYSPxlnHo/s320/BLOG+ECHIUM.gif" border="0" /></a></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Number 4: Echium</strong> in the Walled Garden. On the lower half of the path between the north wall and the herb border (which will soon be in the Top Ten), you’ll be confronted by towering spikes of Echium covered with tiny blue florets. Do look down too and see the huge variety of plants massed in the border . </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2ZKmrPRFSE5enx0gW_kqfCDs-_xHBuJi0GjdMS4F8pd2k1nWWV1B59DPAAQu7z5q99gwFRpNLapehiYQo7q-o6DUipqNk3FTHkSGyvnI_KttugaUpqwNib_T-2HRBY67Asi8gWRw1Ow/s1600-h/BLOG+LEOS+EYE.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213974508460507506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="281" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2ZKmrPRFSE5enx0gW_kqfCDs-_xHBuJi0GjdMS4F8pd2k1nWWV1B59DPAAQu7z5q99gwFRpNLapehiYQo7q-o6DUipqNk3FTHkSGyvnI_KttugaUpqwNib_T-2HRBY67Asi8gWRw1Ow/s320/BLOG+LEOS+EYE.gif" width="267" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Number 3: Roses</strong> in the Walled Garden. Duck under the Echium and continue down to the bottom wall, where you’ll find our own, salmon-coloured Leo’s Eye climbing rose. Now stroll down to the raised patio and look down to the entrance, through rose-strewn arches. </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRajNtU37JvDvExF8io8l9Vv8IxHXh7PRpZvB9XAvQMWfHMueBE8XMRu89cx99eB1coHPpNeZ5yB-o9fZ5bKRld2NYloQfQ2C-LTFop8jGQA4ylIKYml5pxV9k-6M1nGhjkuQyOhdiQdU/s1600-h/P1010089.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213975127293015698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px" height="222" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRajNtU37JvDvExF8io8l9Vv8IxHXh7PRpZvB9XAvQMWfHMueBE8XMRu89cx99eB1coHPpNeZ5yB-o9fZ5bKRld2NYloQfQ2C-LTFop8jGQA4ylIKYml5pxV9k-6M1nGhjkuQyOhdiQdU/s320/P1010089.JPG" width="284" border="0" /></a><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Number 2: Water Lilies</strong> in the fish pond in the Walled Garden. In the middle of the Walled Garden is a classic fish pond and fountain, with a lovely display of pink and white water lilies. </div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmYYD9jnEW26DZ9tq5Db05zNFkJis1TOOvprpxm4ZiayvBnvvwVox_gAE2p5YfnUQzpcGcPBSQEwRN5dbWmBrNesp3oNA8ooAmqCZtWYhZTZzZUIQUyyIrMWvBNixQjV56MfmSK3Jzwo/s1600-h/P1010100.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213975705259200434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmYYD9jnEW26DZ9tq5Db05zNFkJis1TOOvprpxm4ZiayvBnvvwVox_gAE2p5YfnUQzpcGcPBSQEwRN5dbWmBrNesp3oNA8ooAmqCZtWYhZTZzZUIQUyyIrMWvBNixQjV56MfmSK3Jzwo/s320/P1010100.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Number 1: Perennials</strong> in the Walled Garden<br />Take your time to admire the huge and eclectic mix of perennials coming up in the deep borders.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032499367857146240.post-69085878472335318702008-05-27T08:39:00.000-07:002008-12-08T15:53:46.639-08:00Help - Everything's Flowering Like Mad - 21st MayWelcome to Picton Castle’s stunning woodland and Walled garden, in late May. Here are the main highlights for the next couple of weeks.<br /><strong>Peep-In Walk</strong> - This pretty wood still had loads of Rhododendrons in flower, and more besides.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphendi7NfYCCBWOO5KL1wNC4nP04t3W7Y_f8rypT4cQiTs3SPBGEAH4zRuwJm4T7kDAoQ_kDIrJOXx2denL2gaLp-UAd8Btox5CqOvL1T32Wgxhq72IGv7Ze-ITmoCxzrDLSj9uXdBK2cM/s1600-h/blog+4+01.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205083452341160530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px" height="193" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphendi7NfYCCBWOO5KL1wNC4nP04t3W7Y_f8rypT4cQiTs3SPBGEAH4zRuwJm4T7kDAoQ_kDIrJOXx2denL2gaLp-UAd8Btox5CqOvL1T32Wgxhq72IGv7Ze-ITmoCxzrDLSj9uXdBK2cM/s320/blog+4+01.jpg" width="167" border="0" /></a>The first thing that will strike you is the fabulous Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum. Look beyond it and see a haze of deep pink wending its way along the path ahead, trickling to the right and pooling in a dip by the trees. They’re head gardener Roddy Milne’s favourite primula – the Primula Pulverenta. They’re stunning en masse in the sunshine here, but are equally enticing among the ferns by the start of Peach House Wood and scattered in the walled garden.<br />Follow the Primula Pulverenta trail until you reach a crossroads in the path, with a ‘Winter’s Bark / Drimys Wintei on the corner. Turn left for a stroll through woodland rich in rhododendrons and azaleas.<br />Look out for pretty plates of white blossom on a Viburnum on the left, shortly before there’s a path to the left. Turn here and you’ll miss the best of the Rhododendrons further along the path you’re already on. But there is a lovely tree fern glade, with plants more than 30 years old, nestling in that small dip.<br />Decisions, decisions. Is it helpful to point out that the tree ferns will be there nearly all year but the Rhodies are coming to the end of their season?<br />Carrying on straight, there are Rhododendrons along the path and back among the trees, with <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC337bLIuuNRg3aNCPoP77yb1LYINAFSga8xmFJrJ6AzCo3H-HAIazNsg3SkKf0biuAZqF5kwj5vLbZkaN7PDV0UgHB2Yxel7TAEMIs2EHDwUagGMwfEtZUEPdx7Fm5f9SIFWddmGRSs/s1600-h/blog+4+02.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205084766601153122" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC337bLIuuNRg3aNCPoP77yb1LYINAFSga8xmFJrJ6AzCo3H-HAIazNsg3SkKf0biuAZqF5kwj5vLbZkaN7PDV0UgHB2Yxel7TAEMIs2EHDwUagGMwfEtZUEPdx7Fm5f9SIFWddmGRSs/s200/blog+4+02.jpg" border="0" /></a>clusters of elegant arum lilies in the middle ground. Enticing wafts of fragrance will dance along the path – do make a point of smelling the Rhodie flowers. Some are very boring but those that are fragrant are utterly wonderful.<br />The next turning to the left is marked with four or five Rhododendrons with delicate pink and white flowers. Now you have another decision to make. You could turn left to wander through the myrtle avenue, or you could carry on to see more Rhododendron colour and a huge array of woodland plants. Why don’t you come back for the myrtles – this Chilean variety isn't in flower yet anyway!<br />Carrying on straight instead of turning takes you to our Fallen Woman. Face her and look right to see the Rh Jock Hybrid still in flower, surrounded by other late Rhodendrons.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQMSCJ4HyWPw8Mb0hpvHVff377WfxBrUddQGYAc4Y7CdfSu6b6HW1TsXCjuVSXpv1-uyQdnanBpcHtFB6XJBr_hRZ5jsi7yrXet5ub4yHXM5fhib3t6gRb1TuAdr2xRqM96saeHAw8v0/s1600-h/blog+4+03.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205085217572719218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 183px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 135px" height="144" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQMSCJ4HyWPw8Mb0hpvHVff377WfxBrUddQGYAc4Y7CdfSu6b6HW1TsXCjuVSXpv1-uyQdnanBpcHtFB6XJBr_hRZ5jsi7yrXet5ub4yHXM5fhib3t6gRb1TuAdr2xRqM96saeHAw8v0/s200/blog+4+03.gif" width="190" border="0" /></a><br />At the Fallen Woman, turn left onto a path lined with woodland plants. Among them, you’ll find clumps of Libertia procera, their profuse 3 petalled white flowers hovering above evergreen foliage.<br />There’s hellibores, euphorbia, Boykinia and Trilliun sessile, to name but a few. As you approach the Front Drive, look beyond a patch of Libertia procera to see the glossy green euphorbia bushes behind – step up and smell them – the honey fragrance is delicious!<br /><br /><strong>The South Gardens and Walled Garden</strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4tjp664pNO1Mayq6wnm3K5MmInVsw7YubtskpAx5j4s2RP4xRYatHYyvJfpYSiJgytKAjgxoDsMOtWSAofYqtyUNvhBvd9XYz2EY9ffZcm5wptfgtLirgSo2pSWktkvDZLP3D-5yr8o/s1600-h/blog+4+04.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205085685724154498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" height="192" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4tjp664pNO1Mayq6wnm3K5MmInVsw7YubtskpAx5j4s2RP4xRYatHYyvJfpYSiJgytKAjgxoDsMOtWSAofYqtyUNvhBvd9XYz2EY9ffZcm5wptfgtLirgSo2pSWktkvDZLP3D-5yr8o/s200/blog+4+04.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></a><br />Return to the courtyard and go straight on, following the sign to the Walled Gardens. There’s a stunning red Rhododendron by the courtyard wall. Walk past it, then go off the path to the left to stand on the old tennis lawn and admire ‘Old Port’ in flower – we <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboD8sqb4a9pvgsEok2IkLfVTNE32iJ930qFfVRz7U1gTHLrBTQ2vzGocy9Aanaz4LKKiU0AfW1dL86YZeZmX9f3l7bclgKb9vem8YHGK5nhKN4ZgoaRzjbLTO-WKEIHIfhGhSUCJgUEQ/s1600-h/blog+4+01.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205086256954804882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboD8sqb4a9pvgsEok2IkLfVTNE32iJ930qFfVRz7U1gTHLrBTQ2vzGocy9Aanaz4LKKiU0AfW1dL86YZeZmX9f3l7bclgKb9vem8YHGK5nhKN4ZgoaRzjbLTO-WKEIHIfhGhSUCJgUEQ/s200/blog+4+01.gif" border="0" /></a>think it’s the biggest rhododendron in the world. Planted in around 1860, it’s around 20 feet high and 75 feet wide.<br />Return to the path. The maze is coming into leaf and becoming more difficult to work out – venture in if you will.<br />Big banana leaves are beginning to unfurl in the jungle garden. Beyond it, there’s an adventure playground to stop in for a while if you have children with you. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeVceGFymIJkj5-M3aI3R3BNUuQF2hLdOh3E3hfsFsjEHux142d-gLzeKDpWZDOfLxrhNDrMqtEEjcvh_cCUC3n-AWeCf7IPANilCKTVCZv-8JgZ5NsSkV0fAn15CAifrmFFEMIUNyBA/s1600-h/blog+4+06.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205086591962253986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeVceGFymIJkj5-M3aI3R3BNUuQF2hLdOh3E3hfsFsjEHux142d-gLzeKDpWZDOfLxrhNDrMqtEEjcvh_cCUC3n-AWeCf7IPANilCKTVCZv-8JgZ5NsSkV0fAn15CAifrmFFEMIUNyBA/s200/blog+4+06.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Carry on into the walled garden, where the current stars of the show are the echium pininiana’s flower spikes rising above the border to the back of the garden on the right. Perhaps approach them by following the path between herb garden and wall. You’ll brush past a prettily variegated Actinidia Kilomikta pinned to the wall, and a delicate Polygola x Jalanioan shortly after that in the border. Wander back through the walled garden and you’ll find a large variety of aquilegia, irises, aliums and cistus.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWQTO-BXAq49qY-9xTNZbtpsN2_cZJZq9snk5o6q_dFLnseMue0BnB_cUdovQvo7h0ZyEATw_RqeKsPfA7GxOmZtW1VPeXTOdobMmq-y0RbpJz8h783kXbHQu5CK9hZAzRucg6kbfJHs/s1600-h/blog+4+07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205086952739506866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="190" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWQTO-BXAq49qY-9xTNZbtpsN2_cZJZq9snk5o6q_dFLnseMue0BnB_cUdovQvo7h0ZyEATw_RqeKsPfA7GxOmZtW1VPeXTOdobMmq-y0RbpJz8h783kXbHQu5CK9hZAzRucg6kbfJHs/s200/blog+4+07.jpg" width="171" border="0" /></a>When you leave the walled garden, turn right to go to the start of Peach House Wood. Look right to see Embothriums ablaze just outside the south wall. At the start of the wood are paths lined with more than 60 varieties of ferns, many stretching tentative tendrils towards the sky after their winter hibernation. They will become increasingly luxuriant as we approach summer – if you skipped the tree fern glade in Peep-In Walk earlier, per<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR2DFbzeupMwEsf2VNPXYFcQ2g0SY0eH73m29pYk1xaUh4vAUDIAwxFnhyphenhyphenYgQVMMkPR_aQOqLCgfgVIEywcygaiIazT2yoJY_9UX0-dr9LDSoVla2KO6CMdT2VC9SRMK31KZ6jbtNU4U/s1600-h/blog+4+08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205087334991596226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWR2DFbzeupMwEsf2VNPXYFcQ2g0SY0eH73m29pYk1xaUh4vAUDIAwxFnhyphenhyphenYgQVMMkPR_aQOqLCgfgVIEywcygaiIazT2yoJY_9UX0-dr9LDSoVla2KO6CMdT2VC9SRMK31KZ6jbtNU4U/s200/blog+4+08.jpg" border="0" /></a>haps you should make a mental note to return and do a ‘fern day’, taking in the tree fern glade, woodland fern path and, of course, the less hardy ferns in the Fernery off the walled garden.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FbizI4S0U-emxrE56rILYp9Rb7V8rhQy3k4aqa37iXJXTbJJ-wkokSAazYUFIW3djz372mgvpkHdv11wvzDQPtmDwNl25cADX3m9-w5pMsuEdI4sW_ex7aopxFSuVo6HazojEFUP9l8/s1600-h/blog+4+09.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205087687178914514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FbizI4S0U-emxrE56rILYp9Rb7V8rhQy3k4aqa37iXJXTbJJ-wkokSAazYUFIW3djz372mgvpkHdv11wvzDQPtmDwNl25cADX3m9-w5pMsuEdI4sW_ex7aopxFSuVo6HazojEFUP9l8/s200/blog+4+09.jpg" border="0" /></a>Depending on how much time you have, you can either take a walk through Peach House Wood, spliced by a gunnera-filled gulley, with Rhododendrons scattered on the slopes around it, or head back to the courtyard by leaving the path and striking out towards the castle, going through an eclectic mix of flowering trees and<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtaLpIPdRFCjULTmxiYJPFMIqYl1B9jZEJRr5hl3EvEap-ky1O-TjSsPlU0JofIXqLBLYxbziSI2WeiyJQT903up5jPtNqnzDN65m7f2DHXuQ4zhetemhyLHpYN0lX3rDfWCwL8d1vZc/s1600-h/blog+4+10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205088082315905762" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtaLpIPdRFCjULTmxiYJPFMIqYl1B9jZEJRr5hl3EvEap-ky1O-TjSsPlU0JofIXqLBLYxbziSI2WeiyJQT903up5jPtNqnzDN65m7f2DHXuQ4zhetemhyLHpYN0lX3rDfWCwL8d1vZc/s200/blog+4+10.jpg" border="0" /></a> shrubs, with wild flowers in the grass.<br />So much to see – it’s difficult to do it all in just one visit.<br />We hope you enjoyed this visit and will come again soon.Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032499367857146240.post-76059025803056369392008-05-04T05:58:00.000-07:002008-12-08T15:53:46.889-08:001st May & the Biggest Rhododendron in Wales begins to flower!<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gse9kfXyRvRnS1B86Tz7L_AKj07W6IRJmb5ngd74kHCQUKILBiborphV-YUxuuuYhwNbkaUD0JHPqBoNr1CilNg1WB35GfwGg2Iwnu1q0pIzxOs1ty_L2wl3sh7001M8QM_ZxIYTW50/s1600-h/P1010085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196507725063849618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="274" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gse9kfXyRvRnS1B86Tz7L_AKj07W6IRJmb5ngd74kHCQUKILBiborphV-YUxuuuYhwNbkaUD0JHPqBoNr1CilNg1WB35GfwGg2Iwnu1q0pIzxOs1ty_L2wl3sh7001M8QM_ZxIYTW50/s320/P1010085.JPG" width="350" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS</strong></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>'Old Port', the largest Rhododendron in Wales, if not the World, is coming into flower! Planted in around 1860, this is an utterly stunning shrub that you just have to see to believe.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoGtgDlnn2AyDmx2lCR8XfUk_HhDyH-toRpK7wXVawGO-yvZasmvHxSfh3MXyYQKaa-pgG4ui7N07JavaZAblNWKYwJ6iQxirPL6kG_OfOBv0Rc3W8FCl1nXSFe-bhc6_45mUkaA_73w/s1600-h/Old+Port+Flowers.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196509279842010802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoGtgDlnn2AyDmx2lCR8XfUk_HhDyH-toRpK7wXVawGO-yvZasmvHxSfh3MXyYQKaa-pgG4ui7N07JavaZAblNWKYwJ6iQxirPL6kG_OfOBv0Rc3W8FCl1nXSFe-bhc6_45mUkaA_73w/s320/Old+Port+Flowers.JPG" border="0" /></a></strong></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>Thess pictures were taken on Wednesday 1st May - we have three 'Roddy Walks' a year in which head gardener Roddy Milne gives a guided tour of the woodland gardens. We were delighted to have a large group of people to pose in front of 'Old Port' to show how huge he is. The close ups are the few flo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4AwQPpabB7zRAcpMrFai54XAi0kCNpe5ZRG7T7ZY9W4VUE1hz5ZuB5QSuIxl4FRpMa84C4wZaOChiRxJYKnAVydg9H1qR7kdtFMztUP6cukMCaTcsbXF5G9Ho7vnfdvYmUjwxKNVSFo/s1600-h/Old+Port+Blossom.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196508790215739042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4AwQPpabB7zRAcpMrFai54XAi0kCNpe5ZRG7T7ZY9W4VUE1hz5ZuB5QSuIxl4FRpMa84C4wZaOChiRxJYKnAVydg9H1qR7kdtFMztUP6cukMCaTcsbXF5G9Ho7vnfdvYmUjwxKNVSFo/s320/Old+Port+Blossom.JPG" border="0" /></a>wers already open.</strong></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>More pictures will follow as the grand old fella gets into his stride and gets more fantastic every day.</strong></span> </span></div></div></div>Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032499367857146240.post-32012466721017001272008-05-04T05:39:00.000-07:002008-12-08T15:53:48.491-08:00The garden as at 28th April 2008Help – how do you keep track of what’s going on in a garden this size when it changes by the day? As a Woodland garden, full of Rhododendrons, Camellias, magnolias and blossoming malus varieties, Picton is a very special place at this time of year.<br /><strong>TOP TIP:</strong> If you’re short of time and can’t explore everywhere, start with the Bluebell Walk, peek into the Peep-In Walk and perhaps wander up to the Dew Pond. On a longer visit, you could also stroll along the path to the Walled Garden.<br /><strong>The Bluebell Walk</strong><br />As you approach the courtyard from the car park, turn left along the lane, then left again into Bluebell Walk. At the time of writing, the bluebells were just beginning to break into flower. With each day that passes, the woodland carpet of blue will become more beautiful, particularly as it is prettily high<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaafO4H71nLGHCbWaU6XJVk4skw7RrguoOtJCWV6XSmujBOHYw2OdEYFl0J3iooexepkspZuEHMyLMdad8_aCzUs0PtaqtYMDcDn61uEP8VlxjNQMEfwnrbqvgpOiBZShpB9jSGi5IZA/s1600-h/blog+2+Picture1.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196502502383617554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="189" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaafO4H71nLGHCbWaU6XJVk4skw7RrguoOtJCWV6XSmujBOHYw2OdEYFl0J3iooexepkspZuEHMyLMdad8_aCzUs0PtaqtYMDcDn61uEP8VlxjNQMEfwnrbqvgpOiBZShpB9jSGi5IZA/s320/blog+2+Picture1.png" width="286" border="0" /></a>lighted with bright yellow daisies and white wood anenomes.<br /><strong>The Front Drive</strong><br />At the end of Bluebell Walk is the tarred Front Drive. Go right; within a few steps, you will find two stunning malus trees laden with blossom, surrounded by a colourful assortment of towering rhododendrons and eye-level azaleas on the fringe of Peep-In Walk. There’s plenty to see along the Front Drive if you only want a short stroll, or you could take a longer walk by turning left into Peep-In Walk where two huge logs flank the drive.<br /><strong>Peep-In Walk</strong><br />There’s an inspiring variety <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU8cK2J2izOWL-x5pHzNw66XlclWbVd0aThS1uAZ8bFIfYSFFg9MdI55SyMp12HtVP6glLTVqMyGhLhcP3XUEvL5WZ_Yxy1F2PBeKhYneFbAE2gSfkufCql-OcIiGWaykGhveqj3m29w/s1600-h/blog+2+picture+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196502949060216354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px" height="203" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU8cK2J2izOWL-x5pHzNw66XlclWbVd0aThS1uAZ8bFIfYSFFg9MdI55SyMp12HtVP6glLTVqMyGhLhcP3XUEvL5WZ_Yxy1F2PBeKhYneFbAE2gSfkufCql-OcIiGWaykGhveqj3m29w/s320/blog+2+picture+2.jpg" width="163" border="0" /></a>of woodland perennials to be found in the bedding along this path. The Trilliun grandiflora have just come out, together with hellibores, bright blue lungwort, Boykinia and Trilliun sessile. If you smell honey in the breeze, it’s thanks to the Euphorbia millifera set back on the left. Continue to the end of the path and turn right at the Fallen Woman. Rhododendron Jock Hybrids are just beginning to flower on the edge of the clearing. Just beyond them, where the path forks, you can choose whether to take the short route back or see much more.<br /><br /><strong>The short route</strong>: Take the fork to the right, onto the path which takes you through our Myrtle avenue. Glance left as you exit the myrtles to catch a glimpse of the tree fern glade. Carry on straight, and you will soon get back to the front drive close to the courtyard. Highlights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMiSvu-PRTzHMwhh2A7YrC9jEvMCIYobjmb3MxrSY9pf-0D11PMYXPYMsdDkak61we_H1iD4poO41qKDYE1YgWuZbuUwVaQ32dgXKSDIw2PNHnO-BSGQvDI3Wu64QDnpKSXg7d70V0Jg/s1600-h/blog+2+Picture+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196503387146880562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="173" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMiSvu-PRTzHMwhh2A7YrC9jEvMCIYobjmb3MxrSY9pf-0D11PMYXPYMsdDkak61we_H1iD4poO41qKDYE1YgWuZbuUwVaQ32dgXKSDIw2PNHnO-BSGQvDI3Wu64QDnpKSXg7d70V0Jg/s320/blog+2+Picture+3.jpg" width="262" border="0" /></a> along this Rhododendron strewn path are bright red Azalea hinodo-giri on each side of the path, with a gorgeous flowering myrtle in the background.<br /><strong>The longer route</strong>: Take the left fork on the path and you’ll find a wealth of flowering shrubs. A purple Rhododendron Augustinii faces a white flowering malus, followed by a white Azalea mucronata lilacinum. Numerous other varieties bore fat buds at the time of writing and will burst into flower very soon.<br />Turn left to<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4UkoZ792fX86vba6wwa6n9ky57QHLjrA-2Kc71dvHuPgDg_9Y55HgOXgpBu6BYdtcquTQaPanvcZG0IrQQEYUcYAQFIQFosFn6D2d8RM5DxnMUVok4jJ6V6ynw84Ja4s_-EfwoCY7fg/s1600-h/blog+2+Picture4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196503726449296962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4UkoZ792fX86vba6wwa6n9ky57QHLjrA-2Kc71dvHuPgDg_9Y55HgOXgpBu6BYdtcquTQaPanvcZG0IrQQEYUcYAQFIQFosFn6D2d8RM5DxnMUVok4jJ6V6ynw84Ja4s_-EfwoCY7fg/s320/blog+2+Picture4.jpg" width="239" border="0" /></a> go to the Dew Pond. At the junction and further along the path are our own Rh Picton Tetra., with large delicate bell-like pink flowers. The path to the Dew Pond is a lovely ex<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1TLDXrsK-ViMJ7tzqQVTA4W4yZ8AsBayBwnq6vcRMabdsx-EXRYCsahCYzN4DM0gkz5orXZt3zL_shg4NRMPHS3kZQaM1L4Gpyqx4sXv_k2j1HF_5pMBv-hh02UKVTgI4_R6BcN4lOY/s1600-h/blog+2Picture5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196504456593737298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1TLDXrsK-ViMJ7tzqQVTA4W4yZ8AsBayBwnq6vcRMabdsx-EXRYCsahCYzN4DM0gkz5orXZt3zL_shg4NRMPHS3kZQaM1L4Gpyqx4sXv_k2j1HF_5pMBv-hh02UKVTgI4_R6BcN4lOY/s320/blog+2Picture5.jpg" border="0" /></a>ample of mixed planting. The delicate blossom of Malus Red Sentinel is framed by linear bamboo and laurel’s chunks of green. Wild flowers are scattered in the grass. Follow the path by the Dew Pond and come back via the filtration beds. When you reach the main path, turn right, then left to go past the Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum, now just coming into leaf. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjLJUi-FmjRcQEUuYRRsHFJSCoCaVm01Aup4H7eRGX6pb-JC45s2_jdAVsLORejJ3mxeB6Jwa72yh76h7S3cUBmCBrfKSRu4gLk44dd-r4X8TU4pBidi9PXN9Zs8ewxnElnKRZAIB_HM/s1600-h/blog+2+Picture6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196504856025695842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjLJUi-FmjRcQEUuYRRsHFJSCoCaVm01Aup4H7eRGX6pb-JC45s2_jdAVsLORejJ3mxeB6Jwa72yh76h7S3cUBmCBrfKSRu4gLk44dd-r4X8TU4pBidi9PXN9Zs8ewxnElnKRZAIB_HM/s320/blog+2+Picture6.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a>Around the Acer are masses of Primula Pulverulenta, just beginning to flower. Exit Peep-In onto the bottom of the Front Drive and you’re back to the entrance of the courtyard. Perhaps a cuppa or light lunch with a glass of wine would go down well now!<br /><strong>The Walk to the South Gardens</strong>:<br />The path to the Walled Garden will be a stunning feature for a while yet, with Camellias, magnolias and Rhododendrons vying for attention.<br />About two-thirds of the way down the path, look to the right and see the Jungle Garden, currently a tad forlorn after winter but with grand ambitions for the summer. Roddy, our head gardener, and his team have put up wooden structures to support a summery show of climbers and creepers to add to the Jurassic feel of the area. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq94YMv-XriDmoXm57D3-hw2Ji4Fg-b-f4ODXosn4xZVTi47PRmt1J2CpPCKoQnzMGJ-IXAsIG_ZPQrciHG_JjumgVZY3g6yMIlcoGu_tt48OkIZwdx1CYMnc-Va75oWbHyQTd5RlKyUU/s1600-h/blog+2+Picture7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196505122313668210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="226" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq94YMv-XriDmoXm57D3-hw2Ji4Fg-b-f4ODXosn4xZVTi47PRmt1J2CpPCKoQnzMGJ-IXAsIG_ZPQrciHG_JjumgVZY3g6yMIlcoGu_tt48OkIZwdx1CYMnc-Va75oWbHyQTd5RlKyUU/s320/blog+2+Picture7.jpg" width="300" border="0" /></a>The Jungle Garden is by the children’s adventure play area, creating a great work-out for little minds and limbs. Before you turn towards the walled garden, you’ll find a comfy bench set among a pretty pink arrangement of Magnolia Soulangeana Lenneii, the Rh. Picton Tetra and a couple of Azaleas. Across the path, about 20 paces away, is a stunning Magnolia Stellata. You’re welcome to wander among the many flowering shrubs around the M Stellata and down into Peach House Wood, also rich in Rhodies and woodland plants.<br />With so m<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAdgG2nCwIUi_7SmfwizMEIkI8Wm7uHfcnGZtFnj884CG1yPJK-uNBvdrqcYVWuk0l89uodQehSdoS4MU5_bCTx2jhRKtKANhcavsS7uVf7Sk9CJaGeMXQKTc_PUMyRFFxCJSd_uCIHs/s1600-h/blog+2+Picture8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196505560400332418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="180" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAdgG2nCwIUi_7SmfwizMEIkI8Wm7uHfcnGZtFnj884CG1yPJK-uNBvdrqcYVWuk0l89uodQehSdoS4MU5_bCTx2jhRKtKANhcavsS7uVf7Sk9CJaGeMXQKTc_PUMyRFFxCJSd_uCIHs/s200/blog+2+Picture8.jpg" width="220" border="0" /></a>uch to see in the woodlands, perhaps save the walled garden for the summer when it’s at its most colourful – although you might want to peek in on the non-hardy ferns in the fernery and peruse the herb garden on the way.<br />There’s always lots to see at Picton. We do hope you enjoyed your visit and will come back soon to see more.Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9032499367857146240.post-63750105927309288412008-05-02T10:29:00.000-07:002008-12-08T15:53:49.431-08:00The Garden on 10th April 2008<span style="font-family:arial;"> <strong>Overview:</strong><br />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.<br /><strong>TOP TIP</strong>: 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.<br /><strong>The Walk to the South Gardens</strong>:<br />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 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX4gjOz7s8L5UUKKOUta9Ip3alXmDEJTNV31Ohb1y_gVX0yxJuOoxXpRwR5xNq7DrxmnZXZ0wQdGwCQy7Ifpo9jMUVkbMoSijLlmcHihkrCHwsWMdxp1ZGtWX0AFXgwH7xDprf_pJL3M/s1600-h/blog+Jungle+garden.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195837985043580306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="137" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX4gjOz7s8L5UUKKOUta9Ip3alXmDEJTNV31Ohb1y_gVX0yxJuOoxXpRwR5xNq7DrxmnZXZ0wQdGwCQy7Ifpo9jMUVkbMoSijLlmcHihkrCHwsWMdxp1ZGtWX0AFXgwH7xDprf_pJL3M/s200/blog+Jungle+garden.jpg" width="179" border="0" /></a>is taking over.<br />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.<br />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.<br /><strong>Walk Through the Peach House Wood</strong><br />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 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeGv_tUZM_XRDQ82MPnD2738n2zMxlcxkHVqQIaCXyTrdbVnmrw7geXnVl4gQEqLmDpdARJ2DNe8fsElVBz7XfoVq_QIli9LRTIKx5kO2eSqNhMcoNSelBBKVYGHFyKmuLrIBVtimj6Q/s1600-h/blog+gunneras+%26+rhodie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195838994360894898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="180" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeGv_tUZM_XRDQ82MPnD2738n2zMxlcxkHVqQIaCXyTrdbVnmrw7geXnVl4gQEqLmDpdARJ2DNe8fsElVBz7XfoVq_QIli9LRTIKx5kO2eSqNhMcoNSelBBKVYGHFyKmuLrIBVtimj6Q/s200/blog+gunneras+%26+rhodie.jpg" width="121" border="0" /></a>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’.)<br />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.<br />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).<br /><strong>A Peek into Peep-In</strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbOE095r_CphEUbNECxHSKdymuHZZRRBL6kQBMvJ5YaCgvuzE9fblEu0fnSpbDetf26xEusHFpPNPOGoIGScjYg9gNjdtKkLqaBQ6JOwgELA6ygCggdGQ5Ug4PnVFo9uPyygqLqU3OKk/s1600-h/blog+front+drivePicture4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195839410972722626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="129" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbOE095r_CphEUbNECxHSKdymuHZZRRBL6kQBMvJ5YaCgvuzE9fblEu0fnSpbDetf26xEusHFpPNPOGoIGScjYg9gNjdtKkLqaBQ6JOwgELA6ygCggdGQ5Ug4PnVFo9uPyygqLqU3OKk/s200/blog+front+drivePicture4.jpg" width="183" border="0" /></a><br />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.<br />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 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHJ9yuPFVTw5b3BX5zDfuIrRpV_OecNXLEIpZu-A1KGcwX94r-c-Lpu0QhhlGSvCPHGTR9NuJV6-NlqNanQmLwb5xYmzq8dE85CROIiRbOyDrsZGQrRJ0Vlj4ad95TOY3qQzHutj8gdU/s1600-h/blog+hellibores.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195840132527228370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="136" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHJ9yuPFVTw5b3BX5zDfuIrRpV_OecNXLEIpZu-A1KGcwX94r-c-Lpu0QhhlGSvCPHGTR9NuJV6-NlqNanQmLwb5xYmzq8dE85CROIiRbOyDrsZGQrRJ0Vlj4ad95TOY3qQzHutj8gdU/s200/blog+hellibores.png" width="182" border="0" /></a>to the end of the path and turn right at the fallen woman (or rest on her if you will).<br />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!<br />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.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k-7uAtmlpJ3Wdcfyds8jPQamGOrYKTpAXjisefD0rhuhOkTOGGIGsPCVeePeUmDzGwFQpBh5AWaVQ6ahWn0oGJo-Dw67k5VDw5VK6DQDe3VBjB92cqYn5rsYWpmokE1vGvG8XKUI0W4/s1600-h/blog+azalea+hinodo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195838663648413090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="79" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1k-7uAtmlpJ3Wdcfyds8jPQamGOrYKTpAXjisefD0rhuhOkTOGGIGsPCVeePeUmDzGwFQpBh5AWaVQ6ahWn0oGJo-Dw67k5VDw5VK6DQDe3VBjB92cqYn5rsYWpmokE1vGvG8XKUI0W4/s200/blog+azalea+hinodo.jpg" width="182" border="0" /></a>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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5mLWzKVdBKwXuKEEK8-OPUq45F1sR4F-ijh2TAoBTU-ScnZ6JXlbwlMRUpDRaRGiJiN3nYA7ICJk1-KOvGqBZo4wD_yuclYvsZTq62lf1vwsishA1-N5Fe4khnuPiQhvGC8_S8dBEgc/s1600-h/blog+skunk+cabbage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195840755297486306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="116" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5mLWzKVdBKwXuKEEK8-OPUq45F1sR4F-ijh2TAoBTU-ScnZ6JXlbwlMRUpDRaRGiJiN3nYA7ICJk1-KOvGqBZo4wD_yuclYvsZTq62lf1vwsishA1-N5Fe4khnuPiQhvGC8_S8dBEgc/s200/blog+skunk+cabbage.jpg" width="187" border="0" /></a> horrid things?<br />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.<br />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!<br />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.)<br />We hope you enjoyed your visit.<br /></span>Picton Castle Woodland & Walled Gardenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08506915315446326667noreply@blogger.com0