ABLAZE WITH COLOUR, COME WHAT MAY
Gill Sherry
There’s something about a walled garden. They prompt images of beautiful blooms, orderly beds and an element of history, maybe even an ornate statue or two.
In Ayrshire, you may be familiar with the walled gardens of Dumfries House and Culzean Castle, but have you seen the rhododendrons and azaleas at Bargany Gardens?
Situated within the Bargany Estate, home to Hew and Lucinda Dalrymple-Hamilton, Bargany Gardens are open to the public for a limited period only. For the month of May, you can enjoy much of the 40 acres including shady woodland, rock garden, picturesque boating pond, and the wonderful walled garden. This is not only where the rhododendrons and azaleas burst into colour, but also where the avenue of cherry trees stands proud and perfect.
“They’re original Japanese cherries,” Hew informs me as we stop to admire the pretty pink blossoms.
The trees are serenaded by the golden trumpets of daffodils and accompanied by the blaze of scarlet azaleas. I also spy a vibrant pink camellia and the pastel petals of a magnolia. It really is a feast for the eyes, which seems appropriate as we’re standing in the shadow of what was once the Pineapple House.
The Pineapple House was added around 1818, and it strikes me that there must be plenty of history not just within these walls, but within the entire Estate.
“It’s been in our family since 1631,” he confirms. “There’s an old bowling green which was made up of old ship ballast.”
Of course, there’s no evidence of this today. It’s now just a lovely, flat area of grass, albeit one that could tell a story or two.
Left to my own devices, I rest awhile beside the boating pond. Lilies decorate the surface, and a rowing boat sits expectantly, oars at the ready. It really is picture perfect. But I’m not alone. The surrounding trees are alive with the chatter and song of birds – chaffinch, blackbird, wren, great tit, blue tit, robin, wagtail (don’t be too impressed, I was using my Merlin Bird ID app) – and the unmistakable drum of a woodpecker. A lone pheasant eyes me curiously before resuming its foraging, and a mallard emerges from the water’s edge to enter the pond with a splash.
Other wildlife to frequent the gardens include hares and deer, but I don’t catch a glimpse of either today.
Bluebells, on the other hand, are here in abundance, although, having taken centre stage for the last few weeks, they are beginning to bow their heads and take their leave. That said, the violet flowers continue to cast their spell.
Keeping the gardens beautiful is a full-time job so Hew and Lucinda rely on their gardener, Derek, to keep on top of things. He was certainly kept busy in the wake of Storm Éowyn in January. The grounds still bear evidence of fallen trees, some of which will be left to decay, ultimately playing a different role in the ongoing story of the Estate. Others will be removed and used for firewood.
Hew tells me that once the wood has been stored for six to nine months, it is no longer considered ‘green’ and can be sold. Much of it will go to local sawmills. Certainly, if they’re unable to use it themselves, it is sold to companies within five miles of the Estate.
Hew and Lucinda, I soon learn, are very aware of the need for sustainability. In addition to the gardens, Bargany is also a working farm which, as a business, is audited every five years.
“We farm beef and lamb. Beef is seen as a bad thing for the environment, but we sequester 1500 tonnes of carbon a year. We’re positive as a business. As a result, our beef and lamb are sought after. It’s all grown from our own grass, nothing is brought in.”
I was lucky enough to see the new calves enjoying the spring sunshine as we strolled towards the walled garden. With cows lazing in sun-drenched pastures, ancient trees towering towards an almost cloudless blue sky, and a handsome 17th century mansion providing the backdrop, it was nothing short of idyllic.
Whilst Bargany Estate is their home, Hew and Lucinda consider themselves mere custodians. Having taken over from Hew’s parents during the pandemic, they realise the importance of looking forward.
“Ultimately, we’re the custodians of this beautiful place and we want to look after it. We’re lucky enough to have it looking this way for ourselves and anything we’re doing now is for 50 years’ time. It’s for our children, and then they’ll see what needs changing for the next 50 years. Everything we’re doing here, whether it’s farming, forestry, or the gardens, we’re looking 25 years in advance to be able to carry it on for another 200, 300, or 400 years.”
In the meantime, they’re happy to continue sharing their beautiful gardens with the public.
“It’s very special to a lot of people,” says Hew. “We’ve had people come here that had been here with my great-grandfather. Their parents came, and then they came, and they’ve brought their kids. It means a lot of things to a lot of people which makes all the hard work worth it.”
That said, they do ask that people treat the Gardens with respect. It is, after all, their family garden and not a park. There are also other residents to consider within the Estate – two holiday cottages and five long-term property lets – so privacy is important. There are no toilet facilities or catering, and parking is limited to around 30 cars so it’s advisable to call in advance. Dogs should be kept on a lead and people should always make use of the litter/dog waste bins provided. By all means bring a picnic but, for obvious reasons, barbeques are not allowed.
Bargany Gardens, situated just over four miles from Girvan on the B734, are open from 1st until 31st May only, from 10am until 5pm daily. There is a £3 charge for adults, payable via an honesty box or by using the QR code displayed at the car park.
“The gardens are lovely and there’s always something different to see,” says Hew before I reluctantly leave the Estate. “People have always liked to come here because it’s somewhere a bit different. It’s quiet and they can enjoy a walk.”
After spending an hour at this beautiful place, I understand exactly what he means. I feel decidedly lighter as I leave.
www.bargany.com/gardens
