Get ready to explore some wonderful gardens in Orkney, writes Susan Welsh
The Orkney Garden Trail is an exciting new addition to Scotland’s Gardens 2014 programme and the charity is delighted to have gardens opening for it in Orkney once again after quite some time.
During June and July, six gardens, new to Scotland’s Gardens, will be opening their gates to welcome members of the public.
Each garden is very different, but will provide the visitor with wonderful examples of what can be achieved by gardeners in these northerly islands with their harsh climate.
Seaside, village, town and community gardens are all represented.
They include: Number 33 Hillside Road, Stromness, where David Walker has created an informal garden of around half an acre from a field over the past 20 years.
Situated on a gentle slope, its features include drystane walls and terracing, a pond, a large variety of trees and shrubs and many cottage garden perennials.
At Grimbister, Kirkwall, Olive Robertson has a Polytunnel measuring a whopping 70 metres long, 24 metres wide and three metres high which is used to grow produce for her own use.
In good weather, it can have three growing seasons over the summer months. A variety of vegetables flourish, including cabbages, cauliflower, peas and tomatoes.
“I have enjoyed gardening and horticulture for over 25 years and have won most points in the East Mainland Show for the past two years,” said Ms Robertson.
Kierfold at Sandwick is where Mr and Mrs Smith have a walled Victorian garden, whose layout has remained largely unchanged for 100 years, although the planting has changed in line with each owner’s taste.
The garden is packed with geraniums, grasses, euphorbia and irises. The protection of the wall and tree shelter belt has created a calm and warm environment in which many unusual and rare plants are found.
Stenwood, Finstown, owned by Mr and Mrs Wood, is a garden of around an acre on a north-facing slope.
Starting at the bottom, visitors can wander through a number of interlinked areas featuring a wide range of perennial plants, primulas, roses, shrubs and rhododendrons.
Also at Finstown is The Community Garden, which has a stunning variety of features from miniature shrub and primula-lined valleys and beautiful perennial flower-bordered burns.
There are large herbaceous flower beds around lawned areas. The public have access to this area at all times.
Last, but not least, is The Quoy of Houton at Orphir, a historic walled garden looked after by Mrs Caroline Critchlow.
A stone’s throw from the sea, it was completely restored in 2008.
The garden is planted to withstand winds in excess of 100mph and features drystane walling features, raised beds and a 60ft water rill.
The planting reflects its coastal location and is in the cottage-garden style, encouraging bees and butterflies. There is a separate walled vegetable garden and fruit cage which supplies the house and its B&B guests.
Fact box
What: The Orkney Garden Trail
When: Gardens are next open this Sunday, June 29, plus July 6 and 13 from 10am-6pm.
Cost: Admission is £10, which covers all six gardens. Accompanied under-12s go free.
Contact: For tickets e-mail c.kritchlow258@btinternet.com or scapa@barrheadtravel.com or for further information visit www.orkneygardentrail.org.uk
Beneficiaries: 40% of the proceeds from the Orkney Garden Trail will go to the Friends of the Neuro Ward at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, the remaining to Scotland’s Gardens beneficiary charities: Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland, The Gardens Fund of the National Trust for Scotland and Perennial.