| What’s On? Xmas Tree-tagging starts on 16 November. A £10 deposit on your tree also gets you entry onto the estate and tea room for the day. Santa’s Grotto tickets are selling fast. Still availability in December so please call the Visitor Centre on 01475 540505 to book. Christmas trail, a visit to Santa for a present and activities in the Old Laundry included for £18 (1 child and 1 Adult). Wreaths for sale: We are taking orders for holly wreaths made from greenery on the estate. £25 to £44. Please call the Visitor Centre on 01475 540505. Tea Room is open on all weekends up to Xmas and on 5th, 10th and 12th December. Falconry Centre also open at weekends and often on weekdays for feeding. Exotic Animals with The Christmas Ark team are going to be here at weekends (and possibly other dates). Pre-booking only for 1 hour interactive session with White Reindeer, miniature Donkey, Shetland pony, Turkeys and Lambs. £10 plus discounted entry price to the estate. Call Norah Buchanan on 07735138845. |
| David’s Gardening Report Finlaystone gardens are breath taking at this time of year as the last of the autumn leaves cling to the trees. Fresh crisp mornings and bright afternoons. Take in the golden atumnal colours and don’t miss the stunning magenta Acer palmatum next to the bog garden. Smell candy floss from the falling leaves of the Cercidipyllum japonicum trees, round the shell fountain in the walled garden. See red berries on Cotoneaster, Skimmia and variegated holly. Bright pink nerines/naked ladies skirt the apple trees espaliered on the inner walls of the wall garden. Also present are deep red colours of sedum Autumn Joy, red and white flowers of Fuscia shrubs bowing their heads and roses that still grace the garden. As always the architecturally sculptured hedges of yew stand out magnificently. |
| Staff News We welcome Janice as a new part time ranger. She also volunteers with a local scout group and has already run some events such as the broomstick-making at our Halloween event. Emily from St Stephen’s High School in Port Glasgow will also be helping out over the festive period. |
