Gardens: A collection of Victorian glasshouses is the star of the show at Kailzie

Published on Tuesday 14 February 2012 00:00

THERE are so many dimensions to the garden at Kailzie in Peebleshsire that it is easy to overlook the striking row of colour-filled Victorian glasshouses that run across the south-facing façade of the walled garden.

Competing with a show-shopping display of woodland snowdrops and aconites, a dramatic double border in the walled garden with its newly laid out vegetable garden and the pair of nesting ospreys down by the loch, the 50ft-long glasshouses are sometimes forgotten.

Built in 1811 by the Edinburgh firm Mackenzie Moncur, they are the heartbeat of the garden, the place where young plants are raised and a vibrant display of fuchsia, pelargonium and geranium spread out from the centrepiece of a purple, heavily scented wisteria. Here, in this two-century-old glasshouse, visitors find a flush of colour from April to October, and welcome shelter in the case of rain.

But what makes these glasshouses so special is that they are family run.

Angela Buchan-Hepburn, who is responsible for the current revival of Kailzie’s fortunes, explains that when she first came here, newly married, she found the glasshouses in a sad state of repair. “The glass had blown in and crashed down. Metal shelving had been removed, as had the metal entrance gates to the walled garden.”

Further investigation revealed three large Perigrine peach trees and a succulent black “Marjorie” plum. “Someone had tied a huge and very beautiful lace bedcover from the old house under the trees to catch the fruit as it ripened,” says Angela.

She adds: “In the one last remaining standing space a retired gardener was growing a dark red carnation named ‘Topsy’. When I asked him why, he said it ‘was for the gentleman’s button holes’.” Despite the lack of gentlemen requiring Topsy, Angela invested the same energy into saving the glasshouses as she did the rest of the garden. On applying for a grant she was told the money she needed was “the entire fund for the Borders”. But she persevered, arranging for work to be done bit by bit by the estate joiner. Painting continues on an ongoing basis. “The weather in this north-facing valley where there is a lot of frost is a problem. We have cracked glass panes every year. Last year the weight of the snow broke the panes above the wisteria, exposing it to the elements – fortunately it survived.”

The current, high standard of the glasshouse, Angela says, owes much to the dedication and interest of head gardener Guy Crowhurst, who this year celebrates 30 years at Kailzie. Guy, who is only in his mid-forties, began work as an under gardener at Kailzie on leaving school. He was appointed head gardener shortly thereafter. “Guy is passionately interested; he learned by reading and by experience,” Angela explains.

The centre and entrance remains home to a large and very old wisteria, which creates a striking mauve canopy and a heavenly perfume when in full bloom. “I often hear visitors exclaim as they enter,” Angela says. “Some wonder why the wisteria is indoors, but as we are on the north side of the valley, which is high, cold Peeblesshire, I could not possibly grow it outside.” In winter a wood-burning stove, which is connected to second-hand radiators, heats the glasshouse; when the temperature dips very low the gas is used.

Shelves are stacked with different conservatory plants, but the specialities are fuchsias and pelargoniums. Favourite fuchsias include red and white “Swingtime”, pale pink and white double “Annabel”, deep pink “Satellite” and the generous “Thalia” with orange flowers set off against dark foliage. “Mary” is loved for its bright red flowers and dark foliage, and “Blacky” for its dark purple flowers.

The greenhouses face south so shade is important. The plants are hosed and sprayed to avoid greenfly – sometimes two or three times a day – and fed weekly throughout the summer months. Daily deadheading keeps the flowers and foliage at their best.

“I’m always looking for volunteers for this very relaxing job,” says Angela, who keeps extra pairs of secateurs handy.

On a practical note, she suggests planting in large pots. “We have found pelargoniums and fuchsia flower better when we grow them in big pots, which are easier to water.” Recently both Angela and Guy have noticed an increase in the number of people asking for advice and tips on successful cultivation. “Many people have a greenhouse or windowsill and are so interested in the plants, they want to know how to get good results. It seems to me that greenhouse cultivation is on the increase: perhaps it has something to do with unpredictable summers.”

Despite the amount of work required to keep the glasshouses in good condition, Angela has no regrets. “I realise I am most fortunate to own this lovely building. As I lock up in the evenings, I know this is a beautiful place to walk through with that most particular conservatory perfume around me. Pure heaven, I think.” k

Kailzie Gardens, Kailzie, Peebles, EH45 9HT is open daily and currently for snowdrops. The tea room is open for lunch and tea and dinner on Saturdays. A sale of plants raised from cuttings in the conservatory will be held from April to early June. Future plans include setting up a permanent plant stand – Angela is hoping the right person will come forward to run it.

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