The Winter colours of the garden cannot rival the riotous splendours of the other seasons, nevertheless they have their own charms. Traditionally evergreens are used to supply winter interest but the contribution made by the shape and bark colour of deciduous shrubs should not be overlooked and a variety of colour can be seen, from the ghostly white stems of the rubus in the woodland garden to the wonderful reddish bark of Acer griseum and the berries not yet plundered by the birds.
The bronze resin statues in the garden are by the sculptor Alan Biggs. During the winter these are often set off by frost and snow effects and they add an extra layer of interest in the winter season.
The herbaceous borders are not cut back until February, giving an abundance of texture and tone from foliage, stems and seedheads and creating spectacular effects in frosty weather, as well as protecting the plant roots from the worst of the cold. These herbaceous perennials provide us with sombre muted tones of brown, straw and gold, enlivened by the ornamental grasses which turn to shades of gold and straw and are stirred by the lightest of breezes breathing life back into our borders. By considering these secondary aspects of a plant’s life, it is possible to have interest from April to February (if you underplant with tulips). Longevity is one of the key advantages of the naturalistic approach. Scattered around the garden you will also see the bold, shiny leaves of evergreens such as Prunus llaurocerasus, the beautifully scented mahonias and the flamboyant Helleborus argutifolius with its serrated leaves and fat, expanding flowerbuds – all to be found in the woodland garden outside the potting shed. Variegated privet also comes into its own enlivening the scene.
The layout of the garden is more visible at this time of year, especially the hedges. Evergreens include Escallonia with its pink flowers in summer, Prunus lusitanica with its bright red leaf stems and bay. The box hedging gives structure and a hint of formality which contrasts with the wild naturalistic planting. Prunus cerisifera provides a striking deciduous hedge with its purple leaves and, surrounding the ornamental vegetable garden, the potentilla hedge, ablaze with yellow flowers in the summer, provides an attractive frame in winter with the warm rich tones of its bark.
Take time in the walled garden to enjoy the unobstructed views and relish the stems and tracery of the trees highlighted by the low sun. When the burn is in spate the sound of running water enlivens the scene. Enjoy a walk along the burn – either down to the sea along one of the woodland paths or go along behind the wall with the cartwheeling statues and follow the burn up a lovely woodland dell alongside the drive.
The gardeners are busy during these months pruning the fruit trees, pruning and tying in all the climbing roses and doing any necessary construction work. They are also planning the annual borders and the ornamental vegetable gardens for the coming year and ordering seeds.
Please feel free to explore the glasshouses and frames, but please do not touch plants or labels. Please also fill in one of our questionnaires, as we are always interested in visitors’ comments.
We deliberately do not label every plant in an effort to retain an informal atmosphere but if there is something which particularly interests you and there is a gardener around please feel free to ask him about it. Alternatively if you email a digital photograph or description and rough position in the garden we shall happily reply.
October and the garden at Cambo is still full of colour and interest. The gardeners are busy digging over vegetable production areas and planting up new borders.
We do most of our planting this month, although September is also a good month for moving the more robust herbaceous plants. The more tender, and plants from drier countries, such as Eryngium, Agastache or anything with silver foliage, are best moved in March and grasses should be divided and planted while in active growth.
In the woodland garden the trees and shrubs are turning to vibrant tones of red, orange and yellow. Due to the lower light level, pastels and soft colours are more dominant and the lower trajectory of the sun provides shadow.
Outside the potting shed enjoy the brilliant red shrub, Euonymus aculatus, with its ‘winged’ stems. Yellow seems to predominate with the yellowish tones of the Acer cappadocicum, the yellow daisy flowers of the Rudbeckia and the pale yellow flowers of the tree lupin which is flowering for the second time this year.
Within the Walled Garden itself:
The border opposite the glasshouse will be replanted early this month with the aim of integrating it with the Steppe Border on the other side of the path and providing a long lasting planting.
The Autumn Border at right angles to the glasshouse will also be redesigned and planted this month. The design and plants will be more traditional and some old favourites, not seen elsewhere in the garden, will be included.
Across from the Autumn border the ‘hot’ annual border still provides a dramatic splash of colour. Annuals provide an interesting way of providing late season colour and here we mix them with ornamental grasses and tender perennials which really helps to lift the garden at this time of the year. Here you will see Rudbeckia ‘Prairie Sun’ (bright yellow), Rudbeckia ‘Rustic Dwarfs’ and Argyranthemum ‘Jamaica Primrose’ in this cheerful planting.
Opposite the Prunus hedge, near the sundial, is the ‘Med Bed’ where clumps of yellow Helianthus mingle with Miscanthus and Aster to provide a late show. Judicious use of evergreens helps lengthen the display.
Over the burn, running half the width of the garden, is the ornamental vegetable garden which is still looking good this month. Enjoy the airy tracery of fennel among the generous swathes of yellow Rudbeckia. Many of the vegetables are allowed to ‘run to seed’ which only enhances the potager’s beauty. Beetroot, cabbage and kale provide purple tones which tie into the ‘hot’ colour scheme.
Taking up the other half is the new early flowering area which will be completed this month. It is a mixture of early and late summer perennials with grasses to help extend the season. Most of these plants have been grown from seed and are new introductions to Cambo and are rarely seen in Scottish gardens.
The double Prairie borders running up to the cartwheeling statues are going over this month but there is still much to see. Enjoy the movement of the plants in the wind and the variety and rhythms of the plant forms. The ornamental grasses enliven the scene providing warm natural tones which blend with the pinks.
September
September signals the beginning of autumn. Much of the herbaceous planting is reaching maturity and there is still plenty of colour in the gardens. As the season progresses foliage and form will play a more dominant role. Fruit harvesting starts in earnest this month, with plums, followed by apples and pears.
In the woodland edge planting opposite the potting shed colchicums are emerging from a carpet of Ajuga*. Miscanthus, the bright yellow flowers of Rudbeckia, and Deschampsia, the very delicate grass in the foreground, are all looking wonderful this month.
*It is a good idea to use low groundcover plants to mark the position of bulbs to prevent digging them up when they are dormant.
Beyond this, in the woodland leading down to the pond, is our main collection of colchicums (otherwise known as autumn crocuses or even ‘Naked Ladies’!) We currently have 25 varieties and are constantly extending the range. The delightful miniature Cyclamen are also scattered around the woodland garden.
Within the Walled Garden itself:
The border in front of the glasshouse, which is primarily an early flowering border is planted in a contemporary ‘Steppe’ design influenced by the way plants combine in nature. In autumn the maturing grasses give the planting a different flavour.
The border across the path is early flowering. It is backed by swags of the rose, Ethel,
and is dominated by the New Zealand flax. The strong fibres of the flax’s swordlike leaves are used to make traditional ropes and baskets. This border will be redesigned and planted early this autumn and will be predominantly pastel coloured. Like its predecessor it will be early flowering but will echo elements of the steppe border.
The Autumn border at right angles to the glasshouses is also undergoing development this month. The backbone of asters had to be divided and moved every three years. This was high maintenance and disruptive. The aim now is to reduce and separate the asters, combining them with some key perennials and establishing a more sustainable natural balance.
In the annual beds by the sundial the yellow and burnished tones of Rudbeckias and Argyranthemum are echoed in the pinkish haze of Stipa arundinacea and the lighter flowerheads of Hordeum jubatum. The purple foliage of Cannas and Ricinus communis provides contrast.
Next to the sundial Zinnia ‘Red Spider’ combines with Stipa tenuissima and Heliotrope in this informal matrix planting.
Beyond this on the left, and running down to the burn, is our new cut flower area, completely redesigned this spring, with most of the final planting taking place this month. Colour plays a major part in this planting with graduated tones throughout. It also introduces many new plants into the garden. The low hummocks of daisies with the red centres are Coreopsis, the soft yellow and white are Anthemis, the purple transparent plants are Verbena bonariensis and the tall imposing plants with the purple flowerheads are Eupatorium purpureum.
Over the burn, running the half width of the garden, is the ornamental vegetable garden which is an informal mix of vegetables, annuals, tender and hardy perennials, and grasses. It is completely replanted each year which gives the gardeners the opportunity to experiment with different mixes and emphases each year. This year its naturalistic and ephemeral emphasis is characterised by Rudbeckia, cabbages, Kale Red Bor, Florence Fennel and Achillea.
Bordering the path up to the gymnasts on the wall is the main double border. Many of the plants can be found in the North American prairie. The large pink daisies are Echinacea, the yellow daisies, Rudbeckia, and the white plumes are Artemesia.
August
August is one of the best months to visit Cambo, when the borders are full and generous and many of the finest herbaceous perennials are flowering. It is also the month when, planting done, the gardeners breathe a sigh of relief, relax, enjoy the plants and concentrate on the weeding!
In the woodland edge planting opposite the potting shed, late summer perennials which are suitable for a woodlands edge habitat have been used to extend the season. The burnished yellow flowers of Helenium combine with the red spikes of Perisicari. The tall architectural plants with the jagged mauve flowerheads are teasels which flower in their second year before self-seeding and dying off.
The border in front of the glasshouse (to the right when you enter the walled garden) is a steppe design. Influenced by the way plants combine in nature, pastel tones predominate in this harmonious planting. The white balls of Echinops contrast with the blue spikes of Salvia and Veronica. The large splash of grass in the centre of this planting is Achnatherum Calamagrostis, a key grass in our naturalistic plantings. The yellow daisy, Anthemis, provides a splash of light amongst the muted tones in this contemporary border.
In the glasshouse itself, we are experimenting with a new way of growing our tomatoes. The straw bales are sprayed with a high nitrogen fertiliser before planting. This causes rapid decomposition which provides heat early in the season. (We have tomato sickness in the soil so the bales allow us to garden without soil.) By fanning them against wires we are also hoping to increase the yield.
Please feel free to explore the glasshouses and frames, but please do not touch plants or labels. Please also fill in one of our questionnaires as we are always interested in visitors’ comments.
The border across the path is early flowering. It is backed by swags of the rose, Ethel, and is dominated by the New Zealand flax. The strong fibres of the flax’s swordlike leaves are used to make traditional ropes and baskets.
Following the path round, behind the impressive block of Portuguese laurel hedging, you will discover the moist area which is characterised by lush impressive growth. Bamboo provides rhythm as the path snakes around it. Generous drifts of Hosta combine with the reddish flowers of Rogersia pinnata ‘superba’ and the feathering pink and white plumes of Astilbe. As you enter, the yellow daisy with purple foliage is Ligularia dentate ‘Othello’ – the other yellow daisy is Inula hookeri from the Himalayas.
Beyond this on the left, and running down to the burn, is our new cut flower area. Completely re-designed this year it was partially planted this spring. It will introduce many new species into the garden, many of which have been grown from seed, and these will be planted in September. The cut flowers are used for the bed and breakfast rooms and self-catering apartments as well as in the house itself.
Over the burn, spanning half the width of the garden, is the early flowering area, which was planted last autumn mainly from seed-grown plants, many of which are seldom seen in Scottish gardens. The small pink flowers beside the Stipa tenuissima are Dianthus Carthusianorum, the pink spires are Lythrum Salicaria, the purple foliage Aster laterifolius ‘Prince’ and the white daisies Kalameris Inscisa. The lime green grass is Muhlenbergia mexicana. This is the first of three new early/mid season plantings envisaged for the near future.
Continuing on from here is the ornamental vegetable garden. This area is more about fun than vegetable production, which takes place in earnest across the burn where we grow vegetables organically for the house. This planting is based on a traditional French idea of combining vegetables with perennials and annuals and we have given it an informal, naturalistic twist more in keeping with the rest of the garden.
Bordering the path up to the gymnasts on the wall are the main double borders where we have adopted a prairie style planting incorporating a wide range of grasses. These contemporary borders draw inspiration from the North American prairies. Enjoy the pinky purple spikes of Lythrum and the interesting rich red flowers of Monarda, which are used to make Earl Grey Tea.
July
July is the month when the garden becomes alive with colour as the early summer displays develop. Roses are everywhere and are especially spectacular where they are growing up through trees.
As you enter the garden past the Honesty Box, the area to the right is the first stage of our new woodland section which has a winter emphasis complemented by a collection of colchicums and specialist snowdrops.
In the area opposite the potting shed you will see the blue spires of Galega and the pink spikes of Sidalcea. The fresh pink flowers of geranium A.T. Johnson mingle with the architectural ‘hard’ form of the teasels which selfseed so readily.
The border in front of the glasshouse (to the right when you enter the walled garden). Planted in a steppe design incorporating many new plants from drier regions of the world arranged informally in a naturalistic style inspired by the way plants grow in nature, this border is in its third and final season as it is to be redesigned this winter for spring replanting, expanding on its good points and retaining most of the range of plants. Currently you will notice the blue spikes of Salvia nemerosa cultivars among the pinkish flowerspikes of the grass Pennisetum as well as the tall pinkish branching spires of Phlomis Tuberosa ‘Amazone’. The small purplish balls scattered through the planting are Allium Spherocephalon.
Beyond the purple hedge of Prunus Cerisfera behind the opposite border is our vegetable production area which supplies organic vegetables for use by the family and for any catering in the house. We plan to extend the season by also growing vegetables in the glasshouses in the autumn and early spring.
Following the path round, behind the impressive block of Portuguese laurel hedging, you will discover the moist area which is characterised by lush impressive growth. Bamboo provides rhythm as the path snakes around it. Generous drifts of Hosta combine with the reddish flowers of Rogersia pinnata ‘superba’. The scene is also punctuated with the sword like leaves and striking seedheads of Iris Siberica and the pink plumes of Astilbe. At the far end, tucked in a corner beside a contorted hazel, you will find the massive rhubarb-like leaves of Gunnera manicata from Chile, which are among the largest leaves to be found in the plant kingdom.
Opposite the hedge, by the sundial, is the Mediterranean bed containing the pinkish spires of Lythrum, and the flat yellow heads of Achillea. The large purple spiky foliage plant is Phormium Tenax from New Zealand. Its tough leaves are used for rope and basket making by indigenous tribesmen. Watch the tall, arching grass Calanagrostis Karl Foester swaying in the wind above the pinkish/red spikes of Persicaria.
Either side of the sundial are our two annual beds where we have moved away from our usual range of plants and this year are experimenting with a diffused grassy look with clusters of annuals popping through. It is important to us that our planting continues to evolve and we enjoy experimenting with and learning from unusual planting designs.
Just over the first bridge near the entrance to the garden, near the single glasshouse, is Penny’s garden (Penny was Peter’s aunt and used to live in the house). The rockwork in the new alpine house is based on a limestone pavement design and is scheduled to be planted over the autumn and next spring.
Opposite, in the centre of the garden you will find two areas with flowing island beds. The first area is the ornamental vegetable garden, a fusion of annuals, vegetables and perennials in a naturalistic design inspired by nature and in keeping with the general informal planting style we have been developing over the past few years.
Linked to this is the early flowering area. Planted for early to mid-summer flowering it reaches its peak this month. Planted in the autumn this is its first season and Head Gardener, Elliott Forsyth, and his assistants will be studying it critically with a view to making refinements to the planting in the autumn. The small vivid pink flowers combine well with the light airy grass Stipa tenuissima.
Bordering the ornamental vegetable garden is the Nepeta Walk. This dreamlike walk has been created with a long lasting planting of Nepeta Six Hills Giant inter planted with alliums, lilies, white honesty, roses, lupins and sweet rocket.
The double borders on the way up to the cartwheeling statues on the wall are planted in a contemporary ‘prairie’ style and begin to flower in earnest in July, reaching their peak in late summer. Many of the plants in these borders can be found in North American prairies. On the left (walking up the hill)the huge white plumes of Persicaria polymorpha blend with the blue balls of Echinops and the dark blue spires of Salvia nemerosa with frontal grass. The blue thistle is Erygium forcettii f. ultra.
Across the burn from the ornamental early flowering area the new borders display a modern interpretation of more traditional plants which were just planted this spring yet look surprisingly mature already.
June
June is when planting begins in earnest. Much of the preparation and planting of the vegetable production area is already complete and the gardeners are now busy planting the ornamental vegetable garden and annuals. It is an exciting time for them as they see their plans take shape in the ground, using the blue string grids as a measuring aid and to relate to the grids on their planting plans.
The area opposite the potting shed is in its first wave of flowering with the red thistles of Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’, the pale cream plumes of Aruncus diocius, Goat’s Beard, and the pink bottlebrushes of Persicaria bistorta growing through loose groupings of aquilegia and geranium.
In the phormium border facing you as you enter the walled garden the early flowering perennials, planted in a very loose informal style, are reaching their peak. The mauve ball-like flowers are alliums (ornamental onions). Opposite, the border in front of the glasshouse has been replanted with a steppe design incorporating many new plants from drier regions of the world arranged informally in a naturalistic style. This will begin to look its best in July.
Following the path round, behind the impressive block of Portuguese laurel hedging, you will discover the moist area which is characterised by lush impressive growth. Bamboo provides rhythm as the path snakes around it. Generous drifts of Hosta combine with the red flowers of Rogersia pinnata ‘superba’. The scene is also punctuated with the sword like leaves and deep blue flowers of Iris Siberica. The massive rhubarb-like leaves of Gunnera manicata from Chile are among the largest leaves to be found in the plant kingdom. Angelica provides dramatic focal points as it self seeds informally.
As we are currently reseeding our main lawn we would be grateful if you could avoid walking on it until it is well established.
Our alpine project in and around the single glasshouse just over the bridge near the entrance to the garden is beginning to take shape. It takes its inspiration from a limestone pavement design. Take a look in the glasshouse where the hard landscaping has now been completed in preparation for planting in the autumn.
In the centre of the garden, on the other side of the burn, you will find two areas with flowing island beds – the first (nearest the gate) is our ornamental vegetable garden. It is a fusion of annuals, vegetables and perennials in a naturalistic design inspired by nature and in keeping with the general informal planting style we have been developing over the past few years. It is redesigned every year and contains around 1500 plants. The second area is a new planting of early flowering perennials, many grown from seed, and it is hoped this area will have a long season of interest extended by grasses and late flowering perennials.
The double late-flowering borders on the way up to the cartwheeling statues are bulking up at the moment providing an interesting display of textures before the main flowering season begins next month. The season begins with signal plants used in small quantities to signal the beginning of the flowering period, eg red astrantia, the white star-like asphodelus and the familiar geranium Johnsons Blue. These plants have good leaves which will act as a foil for other plants later in the season.
Bordering these areas is the Nepeta Walk.. This dreamlike walk has been created with a long lasting planting of Nepeta Six Hills Giant interplanted with alliums, lilies, white honesty, roses, lupins and sweet rocket.
Rare and unusual perennials are being propagated for trial prior to being introduced into the garden. This year we are introducing over 70 new species to the garden, grown mostly from seed.
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