Seasonal Update - January 2021
Yes we have snow in Dufftown but it does look lovely. Ideal weather to sit by the fire with a wee dram of something local. Not much can be done in the garden except keep the bird feeders filled up. There is the Big Garden Bird Watch at the end of the month. Good reason to sit down for an hour with a cup of coffee and watch the birds. For details see: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
Snow Scene at Highland Spirit, Dufftown
Highland Spirit Bed and Breakfast garden is always changing. We aim to have a least something is colour all year round. This is a challenge in Dufftown although it may be wet or very dry we also have the wind to contend with.
Snowdrops are followed by crocus, grape hyacinth, early, late and double headed tulips in a variety of colours, primroses, drumstick primmula and of course not forgetting the daffodil. There are some Balvenie daffodils which flower in May.
By May providing we have not had too much snow, a late frost or the deer over indulging the perennials will be showing healthy signs of growth.
The rhododendrons are in full bloom late May and into June. New ones were planted in 2017 so an even better display is expected in the coming years.
Whisky Mac roses were planted as bare root at the end of 2016. They come into flower in July and also have a lovely sent.
Lavender and Buddleja are attracting the bees in August and September. Last year I was sure it was the same 5 bees that came back every day to the lavender in the stone trough.
Summer bedding is often petunias and antirrhinums lasting well to the first frost.
In autumn the copper beach tree puts on a magnificent display. The dog wood loose, their leaves but leave behind red and green stems. The sedums are still flowering and when you go out first thing in the morning the bees are still sleeping on them.
In November new Spring bulbs will be planted and of course the leaves need to be gathered for leaf mould to be used in the garden in a few years time.
In December Helleborous come into flower and continue to do so for many months.
This is just a little taste of what our garden has. We hope you will be able to come and stay at Highland Spirit Bed and Breakfast and see for yourself.
The last word is left to weeds as they can be found in the garden whatever time of the year!
We hope you enjoy our garden and any tips are always welcome.
Here at Highland Spirit we do our bit to help the environment: