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Dunrobin Castle |
I had never been to Dunrobin Castle before my trip home to Scotland last year, but since it's a pleasant driving distance from my brother's house, on a picturesque route, I put that to rights. It is a magnificent property, looking very much like a Fairytale Castle or French Chateau. The gardens are magnificent, and the views from the Castle, across formal beds and topiary, and out to the sea, are quite beautiful. When I was a kid, I always misheard the name, and thought it was "Done Roamin' Castle", and if I had the where-with-all to own this little pile, I would certainly be done roaming for good. I would become a hermit and never leave the place....although on second thoughts, if I had the kind of fortune required to own this place, I would surely need the odd trip to Monaco, or Capri, or Biarritz, just to make sure I didn't start to take things for granted at home!
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The elevation of the house above the gardens allows for great views of the formal beds |
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You half expect Rapunzel to let her hair down from these turrets |
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The damp weather in these sheltered, northerly climes clearly suits Gunnera - the leaves are immense! |
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A charming path down to the beach |
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The potager is highly productive and decorative. Love the terracotta forcing pots for the rhubarb. |
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Potted trees are a feature of the gardens |
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Another feature are these rose pyramids. We had missed their bloom peak, but these structures still made a good impact |
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Low profile apple and pear espaliers formed low hedges. Their bark was fuzzy with lichen. |
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Every crack in the ancient stone staircase was bursting with self-sown plants - all looking perfectly happy in their cramped quarters. |
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What perfectly crisp hedge lines! |
Oh My Goodness !
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous castle : ) I would love to roam around (all by myself of course .. no one to bother me while I soaked up the adventure !)
You took wonderful pictures .. gives me a sense of being there , thank you !
So are you in Canada long term or university ?
Joy : )
What is your blog name about and do you mind if I pick it up to list on my blog .. I try to collect Canadian bloggers, haha
PS ... sorry, you are going to think I am a complete idiot (no parts missing)
ReplyDeleteI just saw your blog in full format and read the quick bio (red faced) I am in 5b here in Kingston too .. half my garden was clay based .. the other sand .. so I have soil issues too ? LOL
Joy
Hi Joy, thanks for your kind words about my blog - I'm really pleased to hear that you felt like you'd been on a trip to the castle as a result! It is very well worth a visit. I've been in Toronto for nearly 17 years now, although I did originally come for a what I thought would be a couple of years at U of T!
ReplyDeleteI would be delighted if you listed my blog on yours, and I will do likewise with CanadianGardenJoy. Hope your garden is surviving this unusual winter. Every time we get a blast of cold after mild weather, without any snow to protect, I worry about what won't make it until spring! Oh well....it will make room for some new plants!
I have always wanted to visit Scotland, and these images of all the beauty in those gardens make the urge grow stronger. You show it off well. I like your blog, and so I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award in my last post. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your encouraging feedback, and for the nomination. I will follow the guidance on your blog in follow-up to the nomination. I look forward to exploring your blog in more detail shortly.
DeleteYour pictures show Dunrobin castle and grounds to their very best. It is many decades since I paid a visit, isn't it so very easy to take what we have for granted.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful images... my ancestors come from Scotland. My dream is to go there someday.
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