Ard Darach Lodge, near Dunoon, Argyll

24/05/2022

The first fledgling Siskins of the year are learning to forage while the Blue T**s, Tree Creepers, and Coal T**s are still busy feeding their young.
Ard Darach Lodge is such a fantastic base for spotting all sorts of wildlife! 😃

22/05/2022

05/05/2022

We planted 1,200 bulbs around the lodge last autumn which are now putting on a fine show!
Today we planted some Gladiolus byzantinus for late spring flowering and Nerine bowdenii for a splash of pink in October 😍

04/05/2022

We have some last-minute availability for our residential botanical illustration workshop this weekend at Benmore Botanic Garden. Follow the link below to book your spot.
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In the spring and early summer months, Benmore's slopes are alive with brilliant reds, shocking pinks and papery whites as its unique and world-leading rhododendron collection blooms. This spectacular display comprises over 300 species arranged by botanical grouping and geographic origin.
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Using this amazing collection and focusing on botanical drawing, we will begin with fast plant poses – loose and expressive sketches of the whole plants outdoors in the garden, then move on to more considered and mindful observational plant drawing, with an emphasis on lifelike proportions and details.
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https://bit.ly/39Ae4Og

03/05/2022

Wood is wonderful!
We dressed and laid a new Ash hardwood floor in the living room and hall this year.
It looks fantastic and is eco-friendly as it was salvaged from an Edinburgh office block!

30/04/2022

Even on damp days like today, around in Argyll can be magical!

27/04/2022

A beautiful spring day in Argyll today with lots of plants in flower.
Wood Anemone, Sloe, Violets, Primroses, Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, and Lady's Smock.
And the first ducklings of the year! Awwww.... 😍

25/04/2022

24/04/2022

It is a year since we replaced the roof sarking and tiles and installed six new roof windows.
Our guests are enjoying the bright rooms by day and the stars in the amazingly dark skies by night - what a transformation!

20/04/2022

Lots of butterflies and bumble bees at Ard Darach Lodge today.

18/04/2022