A few weeks ago I went along to the Snowdrop Open Day at Dunvegan Castle Gardens. While most plants were still only having dormant dreams of warmer days, the gardeners were in the midst of busy preparations for the coming season – very impressive work maintaining and improving these exceptionally beautiful and varied gardens!
The woodland lawn was dotted with clusters of snowdrops, a first sign of the winter nearing its end.
It was a day of swiftly passing clouds, occasional snow showers and stunning glimpses of Skye sunshine. Looking at Dunvegan Castle with MacLeods Table’s in the background, it was only too easy to imagine the legendary scene of fairies delivering their magical Fairy Flag to the chief of the Clan MacLeod.
The gardens were originally established in the 18th century and have over time developed into one of the ‘must-sees’ of Skye. They comprise an astonishing mixture of formal landscaping and clever incorporation of natural features like a waterfall.
As in all horticultural enterprises, nothing is stagnant and the gardens are constantly being adapted and improved. The latest addition to the walled garden, for example, is going to be a new Victorian style glass house along one of the walls.
As a weaver I love looking at textures and patterns of everything around me. The wintery lack of leaves exposed some otherwise easily missed structures that gave me loads of ideas and inspiration for future herringbone tweeds, throws, scarves and more. I’m looking forward to coming back a little later in the year to see the gardens all in full bloom!
The Castle and gardens are open again from the 29th of March onwards and you should definitely drop in when you are visiting Skye!
