This Summer has delivered us the strangest weather that I can remember in some time. Whilst most of the country has been basking in sunshine and typical high temperatures, the Highlands – Ardtornish no exception – have been feeling almost Autumnal. Whilst we have experienced some good days, they have been few and far between. Really late frosts with night-time temperature frequently in single figures, overcast mornings and drizzly days have been the norm.
This certainly has not been helpful for production in the Kitchen Garden. Whilst there has been some yield and we have supplied veg boxes to some happy customers, the departure of our hard-working volunteers and upkeeping the garden as a one-man-band since the beginning of the year, combined with the unsettled weather, have made things quite challenging.
The Beans suffered from high rainfall early in the year, causing the roots to be waterlogged and struggle to uptake nutrients. Whilst the brassicas, onions and leafy salad greens have stressed with the constant temperature fluctuations, causing a lot to ‘bolt’. – putting their energy into seed production instead. Another sign of the unusual weather is in our Sunflowers – they are perfectly formed, and producing lovely flowers, yet they are standing at half the height for their variety.
The unpredictability of Climate Change coupled with the ever fluctuating Atlantic climate that I was told about before moving up to these parts, brings thoughts on what food security and growing cycles might look like in future. On a brighter note, I am very happy to say the Ardtornish gardening team has now grown and we have a permanent pair of extra hands on board after welcoming Ana as our Undergardener in June. Ana, having already worked on Mull, has settled in quickly to the demanding climate … and the midges.
Ardtornish House Gardens have seen some changes of man’s doing. At the start of July, an external team of contractors joined us for a fortnight to begin erecting the new Garden Fence. Before this project could begin, Ana and I had the laborious task of removing the Hawthorn hedge and Rylock fencing that once greeted visitors. Typically, this was during the hottest days we’ve experienced this summer. A bespoke steel and wire Deer fence now stands in place of the hedge, with nine strands of high tensioned wire and a welded top rail now adorning the Gardens at the head of the Loch. The fence features new gateposts, which match those at the driveway entrance and give a very striking appearance as you walk or drive by.
Tree work is also ongoing as I write this. Between large specimens suffering catastrophic damage in winter storms and others’ coming to the end of their natural life, it has been necessary to bring a specialist local contractor on site to begin removing these in order to make the areas safe again. Several of those being removed are mature trees in prominent places, so their absence will alter the landscape.
Whilst we are losing some trees, it presents us with a chance to replant and potentially increase the variety and quantity of native species we have here. If anything, new trees add to the longevity of the Woodland garden and that of course, is a huge priority.
I look forward to updating you again in Autumn…the ‘real’ Autumn.
By John Turner, Head Gardener
