DIG FOR VICTORY
As she grew in confidence and knowledge,
Minette began experimenting with unusual and tender plants, dramatically transforming rhododendrons and trees with climbers such as yellowy-green Billardiera longiflora, crimson-red Berberidopsis corallina, violet Aconitum hemsley- anum and a glorious medley of small flowering clematis. Outwith the walls, the bronze foliage and
pink flowers of Clematis montana var. rubens and the fragrant white stars of C montana Wilsonii were let loose to scramble up and through established 40ft-tall laurel and holly. Most spectacular of all is the Hydrangea petiolaris, which now reaches 60ft up a sycamore tree. ‘Everyone told me, at the start, that nothing would grow up a sycamore,’ laughs Minette. The walled garden’s dry conditions, due to
excellent drains, made it unsuitable for bog- loving plants. After ‘much persuasion’,
the
situation was remedied by the creation of two ponds, dug by the estate digger north of the garden. Here, drifts of pink candelabra primula, yellow and purple irises and deep blue meconopsis fringe the ponds, which are set against a background of hosta, gunnera, rodgersia, ferns and grasses. Surrounding trees include the clean lines of the reliable silver birch, Betula utilis ‘Doorenbos’. Each year, Minette adds to the planting, experimenting with varieties such as Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Gold Rush’,
Salix magnifica, Sorbus aria chrysophylla – the latter chosen for its young, golden foliage. A charming woodland walk, flanked by
shrubs such as Cornus kousa, pink flowering Buddleia
colvillei, Schizophragma hydrangeoides
Roseum underplanted with white Trillium cernuum and daffodils, takes you from the walled garden along the side of the burn to the water garden. Here, in spring, drifts of bluebells stretch back towards banks of red and orange azaleas. In summer, the plantings at Lady Murray’s Walk feature a rich tapestry of deep pink lily, Crinum x powellii, hardy geraniums and shrub roses such as Rosa rugosa and Roseraie de l’Hay. To keep the walled garden fresh and inject
a contemporary note, Minette introduced hard landscaping, using local stone and recycled materials. A central circular stone raised bed and the ‘Clock Garden’, now in Plot Three, is planted with alstroemeria and scented lilies. Astonishingly, Minette manages this garden
alone, with just seasonal help with vegetables, mowing and two mornings of horticultural help most weeks. She is also an inspiring district organiser and treasurer for Scotland’s Gardens in Argyll. Nearly 35 years after work began on this
remarkable garden, Minette remains widely applauded as one of Scotland’s most innovative gardeners, a source of inspiration to many with large gardens and tight budgets.
Above: Panther lilies (Lilium pardalinum) fill one of the wedges in the ‘Clock Garden’.
FIELD
FACTS Ardmaddy Castle, Balvicar by Oban PA34 4QY. Open all year 9.30am to sunset with a donation to Scotland’s Gardens. There is an honesty box to cater for the occasional winter visitor. Group visits by arrangement. minette@ardmaddy. com
www.scotlands
gardens.org or
www.ardmaddy. com Tel: 01852 300353
WWW.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK 91
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