Between Frost and Bloom
Snowdrops ‘A promise that spring is on the way’ peer out just waiting to be found for it is the month of February; ‘the frontier between winter and spring!’
A vital time to plan ahead, already major preparation work is keeping gardeners and volunteers busy.
Seeds
At present both greenhouses are mostly ‘seeds nurseries.’ The smaller heated to above 4 to 5 degrees shelters more delicate plants.
Trays of tiny seedlings such as brassicas, scabious and a selection of perennials like lupins and agastache fill the shelves. Broad beans are often sown directly into the garden but, to avoid providing a mid winter snack for local pigeons, the seeds are safely growing inside before being transplanted into the vegetable beds where protection with fleece or netting should deter the birds. We hope!!
Gordon Castle sweet peas are already sown to provide cut flowers for local florists, the Potting Shed shop and in anticipation of Gordon Castle Highland Games on Sunday 17th May when Walled Garden staff plan to sell garden produce including bunches of Walled Garden sweet peas.
Manure
It is an ideal time to spread the less aromatic horse manure onto your vegetable beds and rotavate in. Frosty conditions encourage it to break down and improve soil texture and provides nourishment for young plants in the coming season.
Pruning
Apple pear, and plum trees fill the garden growing against walls, along step overs and espaliers, pruning of which takes time but should be completed within the next two weeks.
Lavender
Now into the second phase of the long-term lavender restoration project, next steps are to dig over emptied beds then apply a 50/50 mix of compost and sand enriched with a small amount of leaf mould. This is to prepare the beds in advance of a June re-planting.
Cut flowers
Adding to the colourful vibes of the cut flower beds is an exciting new plants line up: Willows, euphorbia, verbenas, and more besides – Watch this space or should I say ‘flower beds!!’
Greenhouses
An adventurous exotic planting plan for the greenhouse is filled with surprises. To begin are Cucamelons or ‘mouse melons’ a small grape sized lime patterned fruit native to Mexico and south America with flavours similar to cucumber with a hint of lime!! Eaten raw, added to salads or pickles. Wow! Plans also include Watermelons, Cantaloupe, aubergines, chillies and okra!!
Already established, the roses and chrysanthemums will be joined by stocks, safflower and salvia to provide a selection of cut flowers for all weathers.
The Walled Garden Café is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am till 3pm featuring seasonal, locally sourced produce in a dog-friendly setting. The garden is open 7 days a week from 10am till 3pm, a place to unwind and enjoy mother nature.
Granny Mac’s Gingerbread
A recipe from Mrs Maclaren’s Cookery book dated 1938. She was head mistress of Elgin Girls Technical College at that time.
Makes 1 x 450g loaf tin.
175g plain flour
60g soft brown sugar
1 tsp mixed spice
½ tsp ground ginger
1 level tsp bicarbonate of soda
60g margarine
60g black treacle
30g syrup
1 egg
Milk
Heat the oven to 16C (140C fan) 325F, Gas 3. Oil and line a loaf tin. Sift dry ingredients into a bowl. Melt margarine, treacle and syrup and stir into the flour along with the egg and sufficient milk to make a very soft dropping consistency. Pour into the loaf tin and bake in the centre of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes till risen and firm and the point of a skewer inserted in the middle comes out cleanly. Cool in the tin. Enjoy freshly baked.
