Flora
The south-west of Scotland enjoys a mild climate which allows an astonishing variety of plant life to flourish from coastline to high hills and moorland. The palm tree photograph above Auch das ist Schottland by Gernot Matthau was taken at Logan Botanical Gardens near Stranraer in the extreme south-west, facing the Irish Sea. By way of contrast, the humble but poisonous toadstool, Fly Agaric is commonly found beneath pine and beech trees.
In the landscaping of Baltersan care will be taken to nurture native species from the most majestic oak to the slightest lichen. But the philosophy will be to assist nature with the minimum of intervention while ensuring a genuine bio-diversity such as would have existed in the centuries before intensive farming.
A variety of plant habitats will be re-created including wildflower meadows, marshland, millpond and woodland floor with stands and shelter belts of trees.
There will be no exotic palms or invasive Rhododendron. Instead there will be a pleasing mix of native deciduous and coniferous trees including a formal avenue of oaks to the north of the castle and informal planting of Scots Pine, Rowan, Birch, Alder, Ash, Holly, Yew, Chestnut and Willow. To the west of the tower (as shown on the Gardens & Landscaping main page) it is planned to recreate an orchard, for one existed in the castle's heyday as this charter reminds us:
"The three merkland of Baltersan of old extent, with mansion and orchards, with a piece of meadow lying behind the said mansion on one side and the Lands of Dalchomie on the other side, and the meadow formerly called Lady of Row's meadow."
From a Precept of Clare Constat by Alan, Commendator of Crossraguel,
28 March, 1574
Further Reading:
Plant Life in Ayrshire by Dr Ralph Kirkwood, published by the Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, Monograph No.9
Flora Celtica by Wm. Milliken & S. Bridgewater, ISBN 978 1 84158 303 7
Published 2004 by Birlinn Ltd.
Covers the complete spectrum of plant uses, addressing their diverse roles in our diet, healthcare, culture, housing, language, environment, crafts, and much more.
http://www.birlinn.co.uk/book/catalog/F/