Eight years ago this impressive walled garden looked much like our overgrown garden at Torrisdale, overrun with weeds and a long way from its formerly glorious days as a functioning kitchen garden. Over six years Islay walled garden has slowly been coaxed back into full production with the help of a dedicated team including its …
Rhododendron and ever more rhododendron…
No wwoofers around at the moment, so I’m on a one-woman mission to clear rhodies from areas we want clear, behind the tannery, along the avenues, and by the boathouse (which has grand plans for it). Since the introduction of R. ponticum in 1763 it has spread widely across Scotland but particularly loves the acidic …
Rowan and Rosehip Jelly
The rowan and heather, best colours around at the moment. In anticipation of all the produce we’ll be growing in the walled garden next year I collected some rowan and rosehips and made some hedgerow jelly. Although some people advise leaving the rowan berries until later in the year, many are already past their rosy …
Artists in Residence – Birds by Kirstin Stride
Back in June we had our first Resident Artist to Torrisdale. Kirstin Stride is an artist/craftswoman based in Brighton, she has been involved in setting up a co-operative shop selling local arts and crafts in Brighton, held craft fairs and is now focusing on producing her own work for sale through her website www.kirstinstride.com, etsy …