Spring 2023 proved to be a challenging yet fruitful season for the ongoing restoration project at the Bothy Gardens. Despite the persistent rain that turned the garden into a muddy oasis, our team persevered, focusing on various tasks to bring this historic space back to life. In this blog post, we'll take you through the progress made between April to the end of June, highlighting the steps taken towards our vision of a flourishing and enchanting garden.

Greenhouse Restoration:

With the news of our second set of designs pending planning permission, we redirected our efforts towards the greenhouse. We embarked on a meticulous process of removing raised beds and floors, preparing for the upcoming renovations. The summer will see us replacing rotten beams, cleaning and preparing the sound ones, and repointing the bricks. Soon, this cherished structure will regain its former glory, ready to nurture many ideas as a studio and propagation space.

Fruit Trees and Shrubs:

Embracing the historical essence of the garden, we embarked on acquiring new fruit trees and shrubs to complement the existing ones. A blend of edible and ornamental plants will grace this space, mirroring the harmonious balance struck centuries ago. Some new additions have already been planted, with more on the way, promising a vibrant and diverse landscape for generations to come.

Restoring the Fallen Wall:

The monumental task of cleaning the bricks from the fallen wall occupied a significant portion of our spring. We diligently stacked and moved the bricks as the rainy season relented, preparing for the impending restoration project. We eagerly await the arrival of late autumn, when the fallen wall will be lovingly reconstructed, paying homage to the garden's rich history. We also spend days taking care of the other walls, removing all ivy that could further harm them.

Spring brought rain and two new machines to aid us in our endeavours. Though their names remain undecided, these vibrant yellow beauties will be invaluable companions to our trusty Ferdi, ensuring enhanced efficiency and productivity. With their assistance, we can tackle tasks more easily and accomplish more in less time.

As the end of April approached, we encountered another hurdle planning permission delays. Despite diligently adhering to all requirements, an unexpected departure of our Planning Commissioner further extended our waiting period. However, we remain patient and optimistic, knowing that this temporary setback will only make the eventual approval all the more rewarding.

Uncovering Treasures:

While working diligently on the restoration, we unearthed intriguing remnants of the past. Removing ivy from the walls revealed the hidden beauty of the historic stonework. Additionally, cultivating the fertile soil yielded unexpected surprises in the form of old ceramic jugs of various sizes. These discoveries spark excitement and curiosity, offering glimpses into the garden's storied past.

As the rain finally subsided and the ground became workable, we set our sights on planting wildflowers to breathe life and colour back into the garden. We meticulously cultivated the rich soil and prepared two smaller rectangles for the wildflower seeds. Although time constraints limited us to completing only one side, the first blooms are already emerging, providing a delightful preview of the natural beauty that awaits.

Despite the challenges from the spring rains and planning delays, progress at the Bothy Gardens has persevered. Each step brings us closer to transforming this historic space into a thriving haven of beauty and tranquillity. We look forward to the arrival of our temporary dwelling, “The Tiny Wood Shed”, and the opportunity to reside on-site. As we continue our journey through the seasons, we remain inspired by the stories of the Bothy Boys (blog post to come) and the rich history they left behind.

If you are in the area this summer we welcome you to stop by and join us in our quest to create a haven where the beauty of nature and the spirit of the past intertwine, and stay tuned for further updates on the progress at the Bothy Gardens.