The borders and planted tubs are magnificent at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall just now.
Pretty as a Picture at Pickie
Stink Davie, Witch Gowan, Doon-head Clock: Name that plant
A new book by Dr Gregory J Kenicer explores the brilliant and often amusing ways in which language has influenced plant names through the ages.
The Lost Gardens of Orkney, 13, Gardening Tools
Gardening implements could be expensive, especially the larger ones like stone rollers which would be used to flatten lawns in large gardens. These were usually pulled by men as there was concern that if horses or other animals were used the lawns might be damaged. Casual labour would often be used for this purpose supervised, of course, by the head gardener.
The Lost Gardens of Orkney (12), Hugh Ross, Gardener
At the start of the 19th century the Laird, William Watt, employed Lochaber man and experienced gardener, Hugh Ross, to lead the team of gardeners at Skaill House.
The Lost Gardens of Orkney, 10, Melsetter House Garden
Melsetter House overlooks Longhope, Hoy, and was built in 1890 designed by the Arts & Crafts architect William Richard Letharby.
The Lost Gardens of Orkney (7) Fertilisers
With the growth in popularity in gardening, especially after people saw the importance of home grown food during the shortages of World War 1, gardening advice columns appeared in newspapers and magazines.
Banning The Sale Of Peat: Share Your Views
“The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is dedicated to plant conservation and stopped using peat more than 20 years ago, with no negative impacts on our world-class horticulture. ” Director of Horticulture at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Raoul Curtis-Machin
The Lost Gardens of Orkney (6) – Seeds
By the middle of the 19th Century seeds could be bought in small packets. This meant that no matter where you lived you could purchase packets of seeds and have them delivered to you.
Orkney Zerowaste Yard & Marilyn Monroe Too
No one comes away from Orkney’s Zerowaste Yard in Stromness without either purchasing something or being inspired to recycling that old bit of wood or container you’ve had lying at the back of the shed for years.
The Lost Gardens of Orkney, 3: Allotments
Allotments are rented strips of land mainly for growing vegetable and fruit. They are excellent for those who have no gardens or need more space. During both World Wars the growing of fresh vegetables was an important part of the war effort.
