A batch of special pelargonium plants which originate from the Victorian Corridor at the David Welch Winter Gardens have been delivered to Balmoral Castle.
The plants in the heated botanical glasshouse in Duthie Park have only ever been bred from the previous year’s pelargoniums and this process has been in place for decades. It means they have never been cross-bred with other or newer pelargonium strains so are heritage plants.
Through conversations between Balmoral Castle’s Brian Grant and Aberdeen City Council’s parks manager Adam Walker, the gardening team at Balmoral learned about the special flowers and wanted some young cuttings for a project renovating the glasshouse and conservatory to how the King remembered it from his childhood.
With the request to bring the pelargoniums back, Mr Grant asked Mr Walker how the Council’s gardeners propagates them for the Victorian Corridor in Winter Gardens, of which it is renowned. There are just under 900 pelargoniums across 26 varieties in the Winter Gardens and each plant is a cutting from the previous year – the Council’s thrifty gardening approach is to grow as much as possible rather than buying new.
As the Winter Gardens gave some of its left over pelargoniums to the gardeners at Balmoral several years ago, Mr Grant asked if this was something that could happen again which the Aberdeen City Council gardening team were happy to do.
Mr Walker said: “It’s always good to speak with other gardeners and it was great to be in touch with colleagues at Balmoral Castle. While their gardens are different in layout than what we have here in Duthie Park, there are many similar types of plants and flowers as we’re both in the North-east of Scotland.
“Given that some of the varieties we show are not available on the market anymore as flower fashions and trends move on, we were only too delighted to help out again as part of this project. I was very fortunate to go to Balmoral to deliver the special pelargoniums and visit the glasshouses which were fantastic to see.”
Pelagoniums in the Victorian Corridor in the Winter Gardens
Aberdeen City Council parks and green spaces champion Councillor Neil MacGregor said: “The gardeners at Duthie Park and the Winter Gardens do a fantastic job of ensuring they are both kept immaculate with a variety of things to do and see for all ages.
“It is an accolade for some of our flowers to be grown at Balmoral and we hope they give as much pleasure to visitors there as they do to people walking down the Victorian Corridor in the Winter Gardens.”
Some of the pelargonium varieties grown in the Winter Gardens include Lord Bute, Hilbre Island, Mrs Pollock, Mrs Parker, Hazel’s choice, Satsuki, Princess Alexandra, something special, and flower basket.
Balmoral Castle and Duthie Park have several ties already. Originally developed under Prince Albert’s keen supervision after being bought by Queen Victoria in 1852, the historic and regal gardens at Balmoral are a living piece of history, reflecting generations of royal dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural environment. His Majesty The King is renowned for his passion for gardening, commitment to sustainability and has played a pivotal role in the gardens’ continued evolution.