A Walk in the Gardens 22nd January 2006

The weather was cold and dampish though not actually raining yet there were some surprising plants flowering. We walked up the main drive and I noticed three different Fuchsias flowering on the Mound at the side of Achamore House. Fuchsia magellanica (which seems to flower most of the year here), the pale pink form F. m. alba and Fuchsia Thalia with its orange flowers.

In the north walled garden we found a flowering Lapageria rosea twining through a conifer, and in the south walled garden Hypericum Rowallane.

More usual for this time of year in the south east corner of the walled garden near to the exit to Hugh's border is a Camellia (possibly “Donation”) flowering.

A few Camellias were beginning to flower on the south drive. Everywhere, on both Rhododendrons and Camellias, were fat flower buds showing the promise of a fine display to come.

The snowdrops were out but didn't show up well on camera, probably due to the dullness of the day. The daffodils were well up but not actually flowering, though I have seen a couple out elsewhere on the island.

We walked on down passed the pond onto the green drive where we found Rhododendron Christmas Cheer in flower and in the Old Garden , Mahonia with lovely bright yellow scented flowers.