Pitlochry in Bloom has always been a hugely enthusiastic group of amateur
gardeners. It was a steep learning curve to master how to garden small
town with lots of visitors in public spaces, which are open 24 hours a day.
Early efforts were focussed on hanging baskets, summer bedding and many thousands of bedding plants were planted out, along with floral features. Who can forget the Floral Salmon at the town entrances, which locals thought were red parrots! Over the years we have focussed more on sustainability and involving the local gardening community in helping us.
We have created feature beds over the past 20 years, some include ironwork sculptures commissioned by us from Morag Cumming at Keltneyburn Smith. These beds are now planted up to show interest from Spring through till Autumn, using herbaceous plants, bulbs for Spring and Summer, shrubs and trees, they are tended by local residents.
We also have an Alpine Bed, Wildlife Garden, the Armoury Park and Water Feature to tend, along with the beds and containers at the local Visitscotland office, a border at Heathergems entrance and the Hayracks on Moulin Kirk Wall. Added to this is the new Floral train and containers at Pitlochry Station and the West End toilets feature. A lot of work!
We still hang nearly 200 baskets, the Community are very keen we continue to do this and our own baskets and containers are planted up at the Green Park Hotel greenhouse in June. Summer bedding has decreased over the years simply because of the costs and labour required.
We have a lot of beautiful private gardens here in Pitlochry and every August, locals and businesses open them up on the 1st Sunday in August for our Secret Gardens Day.in
We are always looking for extra volunteers to help out with work parties from May to October or Adopt a Bed, if you are interested in volunteering in 2014 please get in touch at info@pitlochryinbloom.co.uk
