Carreg Dhu Garden - a hidden surprise!

Where is this garden I hear you ask?  On the Island of St Marys in the Scilly Isles.  Most people only hear of the gardens of Tresco when the Scilly Isles are mentioned, but this garden is well worth a visit too.  Carreg Dhu Garden is run by a small group of volunteers for the benefit of the local community, visitors and friends.  It was once an old disused quarry and was first created in 1986.

On a road leading to the Long Stone Terrace, you will find a small gate on the right which leads you onto a path lined with hemerocallis enticing you in.  There are many garden rooms with plants to suit their different locations; some lovely ferns in shady areas and of course the beautiful Agapanthus that adorn the Scilly Isles doted all around the sunny spots.  There were many tropical species that we cannot have on the mainland, of which some I have never come across.  The Phormium's looked enormous compared to my Lincolnshire specimens!

In the centre of the garden there is a small sign inviting you to volunteer if you wish.  Next to this is a bag of hand tools to help you with your task.  There are a couple of do's and don't's but generally you are welcome to lend a hand.

Martin and I were so taken by the garden and its concept, that we rolled our sleeves up and tackled some rather over zealous brambles; with the wild life keeping a constant vigil on our efforts; sunning themselves periodically.  After a couple of hours and some very scratched arms we felt we had let light into some overgrown areas.  It was great fun and enormously satisfying.

Have a look at the pictures and let me know what you think.  I would love to know if anyone else from the mainland has been there.

Carreg Dhu

Happy Gardening...