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Hebe Macrantha - I love its big pure white flowers! Has been open to the public for some eight years now. Its opening followed on from selling my husband Ian’s original pictures from home. Our garage seemed to be a suitable sales point. Out went the car and an internal room was formed in the garage (which had previously been a single story house, attached to our own, one and a half story crofthouse). Of course as the garage it housed all sorts of things, like one does, that you are not sure where or what to do with them – hence the walls. We doubted that folk would be persuaded to come off the main road to view Ian’s pictures, but they did. Not in crowds, but certainly in sufficient numbers to keep Ian painting. However invariably folk commented "this is a nice garden……" and neglecting the pictures toured my major works. Then when they had finally inspected Ian’s pictures but hadn’t perhaps bought one then, they felt a little guilty they had taken several hours of our time.
Little Loch Broom # 6 At that time I had joined the committee who planned to build a village hall, and of course all ways of making money were being explored. We decided to join Scotland’s Garden Scheme and donate our proportion to the village hall fund. When those of us on the committee recognised that it was exceedingly difficult to recruit new members, and that we would probably end up running the hall for life, the plan was halted. The money raising events continued, because at least that brought the community together, and there were enough local good causes who could benefit. So we continue to support that whilst adding the Macmillan Nurses to our causes. Over the years the garden has altered dramatically, and flourished mightily. We are now on the itinerary of several tours from overseas. Whereas I used to show everyone round, I no longer do that, but we have little information points around the garden that give a little history of that area’s development. I also lead one of the garden tours at Inverewe Garden once a fortnight. I enjoy keeping on top of what is looking good just now – but of course I try to cram into my half an acre what I admire in Inverewe, which has 23 acres! If you would like to read the 'brief’ish' history of the garden - Garden Brochure
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