GLENWHAN GARDENS
THE WET AREAS
Willows are a feature round the two lochans which were made by
excavating and damning the boggy area. The lochans, replenished from a
moorland stream, are now planted with Water Lilies providing the focal
point for the centre of the garden and reflecting the views from the
house. The margin of the pond is clothed with plants to flower
throughout the season. Skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) provide
early flower colour and is followed by its bold architectural leaves to
dominate the area in the summer months. Even larger are the leaves of
Gunnera manicata from Brazil, planted as a massive group where one can
walk beneath the canopy, as at Logan Botanic Garden, and where shelter
and refuge can be sought when it rains.
Hostas, Irises, Phormium,Persicaria (Polygonum) campanulata and Ferns
provid a stunning display of leaf structure and flower from the pond
edge. But higher up the bank, broad plantings of Geranium pratense, G.
macrorrhizum, Kniphofia uvaria cultivars, Cortaderia selloana and
Crocosmia 'Lucifer' give dramatic flower colour in due season, while the
rim is softened by the lime green colour of Alchemilla mollis, here
growing in gay abandon, as it is wont to do, and its reflections
certainly lighten the still peaty waters. Nor are the native plants
dismissed, for the White Water Lily produces a considerable impact in
one lochan and the native Iris pseudacorus, Typha, and rushes, break up
the pond edge and grow into the shallow water. Sea Buckthorn and Sallow
grow on the causeway and produce their interesting grey leaf effect. The
lovely mixture of native and exotic plants provide a very happy
combination.
The link to the moorland beyond, desolate, bracken covered and the
source of water, has been developed into a most attractive stream and
bog garden. Here in June, the Asiatic primulas vie with native Orchids
to produce a lovely tapestry of colour. Primula pulverulenta and P.
florindae seek the wet banks of the stream while P. beesiana,
P.bulleyana, P. sikkimensis and their plethora of hybrids give a
stunning display. Add to this the leaf displays from the large,
blue-green leaves of Hosta sieboldii, the palmate red tinged foliage of
Rodgersia, the scalloped edge on the round leaves of Darmera (Peltophyllum)
peltata, the dwarf variegated bamboo, Sasa veitchii, the architectural
Veratrum and such ferns as Struthiopterus and Onoclea sensibilis, the
scene takes on much more interest.
Then to enhance the floral display,
add the white flowered Libetia grandiflora, a white flowered form of
Iris kaempferi and the dark purple-black flowers of Iris chrysographes
'Black Knight' here planted in the water in association with the yellow
Mimulus guttatus. The graceful Carex pendula mimicked in its shape by
Dierama adds texture and interest, while foxgloves seed about, while the
scent from the white meadow sweet wafts in the breeze in high summer.
The Fishtail Camellia (C. japonica 'Kingyo Tsubaki') adds an evergreen
permanency to the top end of this valley.
Another pond has been excavated and here native plants inhabit its
waters - Potamogeton, the marsh cinquefoil Potentilla anserina and Typha
are conspicuous. The wet margin is planted with Persicaria (Polygonum)
campanulata, striking reds and pink plumes of Astilbe, the dense yellow
spikes of Lysimachia punctata, Osmunda regalis, variegated hostas to
lighten the view and a host of primulas including the claret-coloured P.
poissonii and the rose-carmine candelabra P. beesiana.
Adjacent to this area is a relatively new development, again utilising
another damp depression. Here in a shady glade with large leaved species
Rhododendrons to give impact, candelabra primulas have been given free
range and hybridise freely to produce a hauntingly beautiful scene in
June, displaying as a wide range of colours, as you will see.
~ Bob Mitchell. Former Curator, St Andrew's Botanic Garden.
To read about how we created the Dry Areas, click here.