Walled gardens, which originated in Renaissance Italy found particular favour in Scotland for the protection they afforded in a harsh climate.The garden at Kellie is a traditional Scottish walled garden, with fruit trees, flowers and vegetables all grown together. The early seventeenth-century network of paths are lined with box hedges. The flowers are planted in the informal cottage-garden style, while the vegetables are grown in neatly tended rows.
When the Lorimer family discovered Kellie in the 1870's the garden was an overgrown wilderness. They planted the central grass walkway and bisected it with a path lined with Rosa Mundi hedges. They placed the sundial at the intersection, an armilliary sphere that shows the movement of the celestial bodies.
In 1900 the Lorimer's added the summer house to the garden. A curious bird like creature perches on the roof, stone signature of their architect son,Sir Robert Lorimer.
When the National Trust for Scotland took over Kellie in the 1970's they put their own inimitable stamp on the garden; it has to be said, to great effect. At the beginning of August, after the roses have gone over, such is the skill of the gardeners at Kellie it remained utterly enchanting.
Hew Lorimer, the celebrated Scottish sculptor, and his wife Mary were the last members of the family to live at Kellie. Hew's studio is preserved at the end of the stable block.
No comments:
Post a Comment