"Scottish Snippets"

"Colour Supplement"

21 April 2007

Each week the Rampant Scotland Newsletter includes a number of photographs which illustrate the weather and the seasons, plus the flora and fauna of the current week around Scotland. There are often so many such graphics of Scottish subjects worth including that this separate "colour supplement" is created where some of the best pictures can be displayed in a larger format. Here is this week's crop of Scottish views, all taken in the gardens at Glendoick House in Angus, between Perth and Dundee.

Glendoick owes its existence to three generations of plant hunters and growers who have travelled to Burma and China over the last 80 years to collect interesting plants and bring them back to Scotland. The Cox family are acknowledged experts in rhododendrons in particular and cultivate many new varieties at Glendoick. In addition to the garden beside the house there is a large woodland area, packed with colourful and interesting plants. For an extended article on Glendoick, see also Places to Visit - Glendoick (which has over 40 illustrations).

Here is just one example from the many rhododendrons growing at Glendoick - a large golden yellow variety.

The woodland area is an ideal environment for many shade-loving plants, including these Erythronium "White Beauty" dancing under the trees.




Of course, all those trees and shrubs are an attraction to wild birds and animals, such as this sparrow. I also spotted an elusive red squirrel, but unfortunately it was too fast for me to get a photo!

There are apparently a number of varieties of golden yellow magnolias - but this was the first time that I had seen one.

Another unusual variety was this "candy striped" Camellia.

While passing through the woodland walks, the peace can be shattered by the call of the male pheasants. This handsome bird was quietly surveying the scene from the top of a wall. Unlike many of its shy relatives, who scuttle away as soon as humans approach, this one was quite happy to pose for a picture - while keeping a watchful eye on me, just the same...

The Pasque Flower gets its name from Easter (Passover) as it flowers about that time of the year. It is more often referred to here as the Anemone Pulsatilla. In some parts of the world it is also known as the Prairie Crocus - it is the official state flower of South Dakota and the provincial flower of Manitoba.

If you want to look back at earlier editions of this Colour Supplement, there is an Index Page





Where else would you like to go in Scotland?








Separator line