The harbour

Spring still hasn't really arrived yet! Alternating sunshine and cloud today, with a pretty chilly wind. I was 'gardening' out on the deck this morning wearing my waterproof jacket and woolly hat, while down below, on the other side of the road and protected from the wind, my neighbour was sitting out in her sunbathing apparel!

This afternoon I'd arranged to meet a friend at An Cala, a lovely 5 acre garden on the edge of the village of Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil. He had looked after the garden for the owner years back and hadn't revisited for nine years! He was particularly keen to see the cherry trees which he'd planted and which were flowering beautifully. An Cala, which means 'The harbour' in Gaelic, shelters behind a high wall beyond which is the sea, or at least a large lagoon which is surrounded by the debris of a long period of slate mining. It's a beautiful spot and at this time of year the cherries are a major feature of the garden, tho' many other wonderful plants are in flower. The property, which used to be a whisky distillery's staff cottages, is backed by high cliffs and has wonderful views out over the sea and the numerous islands.

Unfortunately my attempts to take photographs for Scotland's Gardens Scheme were rather truncated by the arrival of heavy clouds followed by the beginnings of light rain, so I'll go again someday soon. It's only 30 minutes from Oban and a very peaceful place.

Quote of the Day:

Minnie Aumonier - “When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.”