At Polhawn Fort
Summerhouse, Lawns & Gardens
Spring In Bloom At Polhawn Fort
Spring arrives early at Polhawn Fort. The first daffodils and primroses have already faded, giving way to a second wave of blossom. Wild bluebells begin to emerge, and the gardens awaken alongside the birds, wrapped in a tapestry of fresh green foliage.
As you make your way down the half-mile private drive, you are greeted by the vibrant blues and yellows of rosemary and gorse (Rosmarinus officinalis and Ulex europaeus). Their delicate fragrances drift through the warming air, attracting bees in abundance. Set against the striking backdrop of the Mediterranean-blue sea, clusters of white Osteospermum add brightness and contrast.
Along the drive, mature mixed hedging-privet, sycamore, wild apple, blackthorn, hawthorn, and ivy-is carefully conserved. These hedgerows provide a vital habitat for wildlife; foxes, badgers, rabbits, mice, and weasels all thrive here, with the occasional deer passing quietly through.
At this time of year, the bird's dawn chorus is at its most vibrant. Early spring mornings around the Fort are filled with goldfinch, greenfinch, blackbird, song thrush, and rarer visiting species. It is well worth rising before 5am, coffee in hand on the sun terrace, to experience this extraordinary crescendo echoing around the cliffs. Below, the rock faces are softened by wild valerian in shades of pink, red, and white.
Spring Across the Fort
At the entrance to the drawbridge steps, you’ll find striking sub-tropical palms, including Phoenix Canariensis and Dicksonia Antarctica. These flourish in the Fort’s unique microclimate, sheltered by stone walls and warmed by the Gulf Stream, creating an exceptional and memorable backdrop for wedding photography.
The roof garden showcases species from the Canary Islands, particularly Echium Candicans, with its vivid, almost luminous blue flowers, and Aeonium ‘Velour’. Nearby, the gently scented Wisteria Sinensis begins its first flowering of the season.
Looking down from the drawbridge, you’ll see the magnificent Arum Lilies returning once more, nourished by a natural spring emerging from the cliffs above. Around the moat, towering bamboos create a sense of calm enclosure, their reflections sometimes disturbed by visiting wild ducks.
In the main garden beds, bright tulips mingle with wallflowers (Erysimum), camellias, and drifts of Erigeron Karvinskianus, creating a soft, naturalistic display of colour.
Along the gentle pathway leading to the rear of the Fort, you may notice Libertia Chilensis Grandiflora and Ceanothus ‘Blue Sapphire’, their tones echoing the shifting blues of the sea beyond.
Our Wonderful Head Gardener - Nicky
Nicky is our green-fingered gardener and has been maintaining the grounds at Polhawn Fort since 2016. Her passion for planting has proved invaluable throughout the years, providing creative input into the development of new garden areas for clients to enjoy throughout the seasons.
Head Gardener's Newsletter
