When did they get into our homes? A brief history of houseplants
When did they get into our homes? A brief history of houseplants
“More sun? Less sun? What do you want? More water? Less water? Why don’t you speak? Answer me now! (1)
My grandma loved plants. She kept dozens of them with their terracotta vases precisely aligned on the ground or suspended on iron frames close to the staircase. When I was young, I liked to see her taking care of red and pink hairy geraniums or repotting asparagus ferns and spider plants. She also cultivated flowers – small white roses, flowering quinces, asters, and jonquils – that in Spring and Summer gave her plenty of fresh bouquets she brought to the cemetery every Saturday afternoon.
Campbeltown Courier
David Adams McGilp.
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Gin is the new whisky in Scotland – and you can plan an entire holiday around it
In Scotland, you ll find artisanal gin, ace scenery and serious road trip magic. Plus as of April 26, the border with England is open again
25 April 2021 • 5:00am
Friends enjoy a gin overlooking the Torridon Hills in the far north-west of Scotland
Credit: Matt Buckley/Highland Liquor Company Ltd/
Readying to batten down the hatches for what I thought would be a few short weeks back in March of last year, I stocked up on essentials: a case of Casa Herradura Plata tequila, a couple of crates of brutally oaked chardonnay that no one else would ever want a glass from and the wild card – a few bottles of Scottish gin. Isle of Raasay Gin to be precise, made on the small island between Skye and the mainland, with juniper, rhubarb root, citrus peel and various other local botanicals.
Culross, Fife It’s not just for Outlander fans, you know. Visiting this handsomely preserved village beside the Forth is like time-travelling back to the 18th century. Cobbled streets, a palace, and, if you walk to the top of the town, a small but impressive abbey. Pop into the Biscuit Cafe on the way down the hill. Visit nts.org.uk
Tak ma doon Road, Kilsyth One for eager cyclists, this road out of Kilsyth climbs to more than 300ft in less than three miles. At the top there’s a car park with impressive views over the Forth Valley (if the weather is kind).
Scotland reopens: 15 historic houses, castles and gardens to wander round
Hopetoun House and New Hopetoun Garden Centre, South Queensferry, Edinburgh Often called, the Scottish Versailles, the 17th-century house and its sweeping grounds, are open to explore from April 30, but book online beforehand. On-site events include May day bank holiday Itison Drive In Movies. After a visit, it’s worth taking a detour to nearby New Hopetoun Garden Centre to pick up a few plants to posh up your own garden. Visit hopetoun.co.uk and newhopetoungardens.co.uk/
Logan Botanic Gardens, Port Logan, Dumfries and Galloway On the Rhins of Galloway is one of Scotland’s most exotic gardens, home to plants from farflung parts – palm trees, tree ferns, groves of eucalyptus. Among its special features is a conservatory, the first in the UK to be heated by all green energy.