Emma Thompson and Tilda Swinton share ‘soil stories’

ACTRESSES Emma Thompson and Tilda Swinton are among the well-kent voices that have recorded stories, poems, and songs for a new outdoor exhibition at Scotland’s four royal botanic gardens. “Of Scotland’s Soils and Soul” – which opens today in Benmore, Dawyck, Edinburgh, and Logan – shares 100 stories next to the plants that inspired them.…

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Rare Coralroot Orchid found in Wester Ross

A RARE Coralroot Orchid has been found in Wester Ross for the first time in 250 years. The orchid was spotted earlier this month on on the National Trust for Scotland’s Balmacara Estate during a visit by conservation land managers from the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest. Gus Routledge, an ecologist representing Reforesting Scotland and Scotland…

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Scone Palace celebrates first garden fair

NEARLY 4,000 people flocked to Scone Palace near Perth for the venue’s first garden fair as it aims to become “the home of Scottish horticulture”. A total of 32 exhibitors from Scotland and the North of England met visitors at the event. Brian Cunningham, head gardener at Scone Palace and one of the BBC Beechgrove…

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‘Airbnb for gardens’ expands after funding

A SERVICE described as “Airbnb for gardens” is poised to expand after securing a £250,000 investment. Conor Gallagher, an architect who trained at Glasgow School of Art, founded his AllotMe platform last year. His service allows gardeners to rent plots throughout the country. The cash – from venture capitalist fund Q Ventures and Belfast-based business…

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Chelsea Flower Show prizes for Highland Boundary partners

BOTH of the gardens supported by Perthshire drinks maker Highland Boundary have won prizes at this week’s Chelsea Flower Show. “A Rewilding Britain Landscape”, designed by Adam Hunt and Lulu Urquhart, won the “Best in Show” prize and a gold medal. “The Still Garden”, created by Scottish-born Jane Porter and inspired by the tradition of…

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Changes at Scotland’s Garden Scheme

Scotland’s Garden Scheme, the charity which opens gardens around Scotland to raise funds for other charities, has announced changes to its key personnel. Long standing trustee and chairman for the past five years, David Mitchell, has stepped down after 18 years with the charity having reached the end of his term, with Dougal Philip taking…

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Scottish park to benefit from community garden

Paisley is to benefit from a new community garden inspired by its local heritage after it was named Scottish winner in the RHS’ Garden Day Competition. Barshaw Park will see the creation of a new space that nods to the town’s textile past for local people to enjoy, learn and garden. On the site of…

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Gardening was a lifeline during the pandemic

A Fife gardening group has been praised by villagers for providing a vital Covid-19 lifeline for those struggling with loneliness and disability. Falkland Gardening Group (previously Falkland in Bloom) has been operating for 35 years, and during lockdown came to the fore as a community saviour for many isolated locals. Sporting over 50 members, volunteers…

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New head gardener wanted at Scots castle

Winton Castle in East Lothian is looking for a head gardener to build on a legacy that stretches all the way back to the 16th century. Both a family home and a hospitality venue, the castle, set in 16 acres of colourful gardens, has even had a facelift during lockdown. The previous head gardener, Toby…

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A garden on its very best bee-haviour

Jay Jay Gladwin’s personal touch makes all the difference as wildflowers and beneficial weeds boost the bee population in this Black Isle garden. When Jay Jay designs a garden she thinks about three things: structure, atmosphere and plants. ‘I ask a client the obvious questions about garden use and what they like but I also…

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