At Polhawn Fort.
Summerhouse, Lawns & Gardens
Autumn In Bloom At Polhawn Fort
Autumn is a mellow time at Polhawn Fort, when days become shorter but the afternoon sun still shines with glowing warmth and the surrounding sea retains its summer temperatures. Misty mornings, warm afternoons, then spectacular sunsets, before night falls bringing Tawny owls’ calls and rutting Fallow deer in our wild landscape.
In our private drive, Trailing Rosemary is still covered with wild bees, interspersed with the large red hips of Rugosa Roses (Alba). Evergreens line the Drawbridge: huge Southern Magnolia (Magnolia Grandiflora) and sub-tropical specimens, including the Canary Island Date Palm, Tree Ferns (Dicksonia Antarctica), and tall Bamboos round the Moat.
Many weddings are celebrated outside, so the main lawn planting is not only for aesthetics, but also for symbolism: flowers that mean Love and Friendship. The large daisy flowers of Zinnias are symbols of endurance and lasting affection. Pink and white Japanese Anemones with tall stems display their cup-shaped blooms long into November. In Japan, they represent good luck and looking forward to the future.
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
Michaelmas Daisies (Aster) in vibrant purple & pinks complement Sedum (Autumn Joy), whose nectar-rich clusters turn a coppery red later in the year. The favourite Cosmos (Sensation) pops up its bright pink daisy-like flowers into late autumn, with bright Osteospermums and Golden Daisy Bush (Euryops Pectinatus).
Our sea-facing Sauna, a few steps from the main lawn, features Fatsia Japonica (Spiders Web): a striking evergreen shrub with leaves edged with white variegation that resembles a spider's web. This produces ball-shaped clusters of creamy white flowers from September to October, followed by dark purple berries. Salvia (Royal Bumble) is still in full swing attracting fascinating pollinators like the Hummingbird Bird Hawk Moth.
