WE ARE FORTUNATE at Tolquhon Gallery to be surrounded by open countryside and a well stocked, constantly evolving, wrap-around garden. And we enjoy sharing it with visitors.
Clients and customers come to enjoy a wide variety of art experiences but "what a fantastic garden" or "fabulous views" are also frequently expressed comments. This is one of the best times of year in the garden, moving through May and the abundant hedonism of late spring.
There is an exuberance of azaleas and rhododendrons coming into full bloom; magentas, cerises, steely blues and vibrant yellows rival the richest artists' palettes on the gallery walls.
The camellias this year have been stopping people in their tracks. Fritillaries have been dancing and weaving over the lawns and the tulips have been flawless in their perfection. We have rarely had such a profusion of cherry blossom and plum blossom. And everywhere a wonderful vernal green forms a soothing backcloth to all the froth and fizzle.
'Are you the gardener', visitors ask when I am at the desk in the gallery. 'Yes, I am', I reply and there often follows an animated discussion on the best varieties of peonies, amelanchiers or pieris, which is so enjoyable.
We love art at Tolquhon and we both love gardening. Do we enjoy our work? Yes, very much so. Exhibitions change regularly and the garden is constantly changing.
There is always something new to see and something new to discuss. That, and meeting visitors from all over the world is the best part of all.
