Digging in for the final run-up to StrathPetal 2026 – a celebration of gardening, are Strathpeffer residents, left to right, Sarah Thompson; Hilary Cameron, Dave Genney, Fraser Mackenzie and Alison Munro-White.
A POPULAR Strathpeffer gardening event is set to return this summer, with several activities and events planned.
Gardening is a role rather than a hobby. That’s the message behind this year’s “celebration of gardening” in the Ross-shire village of Strathpeffer on June 6.
‘This year our one-day StrathPetal event is all about the value of gardening.” explained one of its organisers, Alison Munro-White.
“You’ve only got to glimpse David Attenborough’s ‘Secret Garden’ series to see the growing importance gardeners now have.
“Gardens provide habitat for over 40 per cent of all our bird species and mammals and more than half of our butterfly and reptile species.
“For their sake and for the pure joy it gives us, it’s really important we keep on gardening!”
But the event isn’t all about the science.
There will live music in the square and a public bar in the pavilion, plus home-made cakes and a cuppa – Victorian style in keeping with the village’s heritage.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around six open gardens in the village’s conservation area, while in the pavilion there will be a huge array of plants for sale from the Highlands’ leading independent nurseries together with a community plant stall.
In the morning there will be talks on how to grow happy plants; creating a Highland garden; on how to grow dahlias and about ‘Go Flourish’ – an initiative to get gardening on to school curriculums.
Starting at 2pm, ecologist and Strathpeffer resident Dave Genney will chair a grand Gardener’s Question Time in the pavilion.
On the panel will be Will Soos from 2 Durnamuck; Margaret Davidson of Abriachan Nursery, Finlay Keiller Seeds of Scotland and Roseanna Clegg whose award-winning garden at Aultgowrie has featured on the BBC’s BeechGrove Garden.
Monkey puzzle trees will be for sale, as well as garden tools and gifts, plus pots of honey from Dingwall Beekeepers who will be sharing the incredible life of honey-bees with the message: “Pollinators are the silent partner in every garden – tiny wings, huge impact.”
The event runs from 10am to 4pm.
Entry is just £5pp (under 12s free), with all proceeds going to local outdoor projects and the Ross-shire based Go Flourish charity.
“Every plant you grow or maintain plays a part in the biodiversity upon which British wildlife is based,” explained Alison, “and besides that, getting out into the garden gives you a real boost.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing as many people as possible on June 6, whether they already enjoy gardening or are interested in starting.”
You’ll find the full programme of StrathPetal events and stands here: www.strathpetal.co.uk/news.
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