Yesterday we turned right instead of left on leaving the house and walked through to Ross Priory. Rosie was kept under a fairly tight rein down the long drive as she does like to chase the golf balls if she has an opportunity. Just by the turn to the Water Board there is also a path off to the right. It wasn't too muddy although it has been unpassable without wellies earlier in the year. Before long we reached the small enclosed burial ground of the Macdonald-Buchanans. This is a very special place now largely overgrown. Through the gates are the graves of Jean Buchanan and Hector Archibald Buchanan, her husband, and six of their nine children. The plaque at the end gives details of their names and it can be seen that the three missing children are buried where they died - in Bombay, Gibralter and Malta. It was Hector and Jean who extended and embellished Ross Priory creating the fine building we still admire today. Their burial place also has a certain grandeur.
We walked along the loch side looking up at the house and returned through the gardens. We had missed the official Open Day a couple of weeks ago but the rhododendrons and azaleas are still magnificent - rich reds, bright purples, pale pinks, delicate whites and sunny yellows.
What you don't get from the photos is the wonderful sweet honey scent that engulfs you as you walk near some of bushes.
Dear Celia,
ReplyDeleteI live in Perth Western Australia. I used to live as a baby in Aber Cottage. My parents and father's parents had France Farm up until 1959. I am writing a book and find your blog very interesting. I am hoping that you will permit me to use some of your descriptions as background information (types of plants flowering at different times of the year). My email address is agardenpath@bedfordale.com