July 24, 2011

We’ve been on holiday! Was fun and restful and all the things a holiday should be.

We did a small tour of the north west coast of Scotland. We were very fortunate with the weather and were able to get out and about on lots of walks. With camera in hand I must have irritated many a garden owner as I stopped to gaze at and take pictures of the various unusual species of plants and planting combinations. Thing is, I decided, what the heck is the point in going to all the effort of making a really lovely garden and closing it off to the public? If and when I can delight in a beautiful garden I will be more than happy to do small, limited tours for a few hand picked members of the general public. Maybe not, actually.

We stayed by the sea so were able to observe lots of coast loving plants. As it turns out its warmer on this particular coast than it is here inland. Something to do with the gulf stream.Who new! We visited a little area known as Plockton. The gardens and planting are unlike any I’ve observed in scotland. It’s a few miles inland and seems to be surrounded by hills providing a great deal of shelter. It also has a lovely sea loch. The gardens are absolutely beautiful – everyone of them. I was so taken I actually made the decision that we were upping sticks and moving there (him in doors dutifully nodded in agreement). Unfortunately due to the small but tricky issue of “real estate” it looks like that is going to be near impossible (and the 5 hour commute to work which wouldn’t be fun). Oh well… I’ll just have to make the best of what I have here.