Seasonal Update - February 2021
The snow is still here with more expected. We have had some very cold nights even as low as -10! However during the day the sun has been out and although it has been cold it is very dry. Not much can be done in the garden except keep the bird feeders filled up. The Big Garden Bird Watch took place at the end of January . Black Birds, Robbins, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Greenfinch, House Sparrows and the Pheasant were all spotted. Other frequent visitors are Collared Doves, Wood Pigeon, Wren, Thrush, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and Field Fare. The days are starting to get longer so it will not be long before we start hearing the dawn chorus. It has been even colder last week was -17.7!! The latest visitor to the Highland Spirit Garden is the Great Spotted Woodpecker. Today it has warmed up and the snow is starting to melt so hopefully no long before we get into the garden and with any luck the snow drop will be out when the snow clears.
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: