Celebrating Pitmedden’s stunning new parterre

This was however in a time of less concern for environmental impact or the resources to maintain. As Chief Executive Philip Long OBE, explained:

‘As the climate changes, we need to be sure that Pitmedden Garden will continue to thrive in the future. This innovative approach will help achieve that and give visitors an even more enriching experience in this beautiful place.

‘We are very grateful to the generous donors who have made this project possible. Thanks to support like this, our gardens can provide a place for plants, wildlife and people to flourish, giving everyone the chance to enjoy nature, beauty and heritage.’

The new design created by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Chris Beardshaw uses modern horticultural practices to maximise floral reward, biodiversity and aesthetics, while being mindful of the need to reduce the inputs – material, financial and human, with a focus on the changing climate.

Chris related his approach:

‘I was excited to explore the different opportunities that would maximise biodiversity and responsible resource management. With much of the original layout plans being compromised in the early 19th century, the source material on the original design process was sparse and left much open to creative interpretation. I’m excited to see the public’s opinion on the new additions to the garden as they walk through the deconstructed parterre in the Great Walled Garden.’

Amongst the species planted are grasses such as Deschampsia cespitosa, beautiful blue cornflowers, prairie plants like helenium and three different types of peonies. The garden has been designed to offer a ‘floristic reward’ throughout the year, so visitors will always find something new to enjoy no matter when, or how often, they visit.

Planted throughout 2021 by gardens staff and students and specialist contractors and suppliers, this summer is the first opportunity to see the new parterre in full bloom.

The project was inspired by and has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the late Professor Ian Young and his wife Sylvia, who enjoyed a long association with and a deep love for Aberdeenshire and had strong links to the National Trust for Scotland, especially in the North East.

Neil Young, son of Ian and Sylvia, said

‘As a keen gardener our father was particularly drawn to the development of the upper terrace at Pitmedden. He was no passive observer of the project but took great interest in the work as it developed. We think he would have been delighted to see how the Pitmedden vision of Chris Beardshaw and the National Trust for Scotland has been turned into a stunning reality.’

Alongside its hedging, borders and 200 fruit trees throughout the rest of the garden, the biodiverse nature of Pitmedden really is a delight for the senses and has something for everyone to enjoy.

The project is part of our ten-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone, and contributes to our engagement objectives to provide inspiring heritage experiences, and be a learning organisation by championing skills to support traditional innovation and growth. It will also help support the our efforts to become carbon negative by 2031/32.