In the bleak midwinter, Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron.
Water like a stone, Snow had fallen, Snow on snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, Long, long ago.
(Words by Christina Rosetti; music by Gustav Holst)
Words from an iconic Christmas carol conjure the scene in the hushed snow covered Walled Garden at Gordon Castle. But do not be fooled by the silence for under your very feet things are happening. A single flower bulb is filled with incredible energy; already the eight thousand Autumn planted daffodil, narcissi, tulip and anemone bulbs are getting their act together below ground preparing a spectacular display for spring 2023!
Mother Nature never rests.
This is definitely not gardening weather however, the gardeners and volunteers have been busy working together to create forty naturally sustainable Christmas wreaths. It takes quite some time to collect and prepare the foliage, berries and flowers necessary but ‘gosh’ the beautiful end results are well worth it. Furthermore the Christmas Wreath workshops have been a roaring success, a big thank you to everyone who attended.
Thank you to all the gardeners whose hard work this year has seen the garden grow in so many different ways. Thank you also to the volunteers who add such a lot to the life of the garden with willing hands and friendly chat. It is much appreciated.
Volunteers are always welcome. No experience required! On the job training, equipment, lunch provided, new friends to meet. It is great to be outside in the fresh air being part of something growing and exciting!
Good news too – at last The Gordon Castle Garden Shop has re-opened!
Filled with lovely garden related gifts, seeds to grow; the where with all to plant them and a cook book of Recipes from the Walled Garden to encourage you to grow, cook and eat local in the year to come. A taste of garden produce to take home in biscuits, jams, relishes and fruit juices, not forgetting the well known Gordon Castle gins, cider and luxurious Seidear apple champagne. Who can resist the aromatic soaps and creams reminiscent of the smell of fresh herbs and flowers of the summer past.
It is not too late to buy fresh Christmas vegetables from The Potting Shed Shop – next week (weather permitting) seasonal brussels sprouts, parsnips and leeks!
Don’t forget the Walled Garden Café is open on the following days;
OPEN Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 11am – 3pm (Limited availability)
CLOSED Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.
All of us at Gordon Castle would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
We look forward to seeing you again in 2023 to come, there is always a warm welcome no matter what the weather brings.
Kindly written by Liz Ashworth for Gordon Castle Walled Garden.