Broughty in Bloom ~ Secret Garden Trail 2014

One of the events that leapt out as us from the Broughty Ferry Gala Week brochure was the 'Secret Garden Trail' organised by Broughty Ferry in Bloom. Keen to have a peak at some beautiful blooms we donned our walking shoes, grabbed our cameras and trekked down to Broughty Library to pick up our map which doubled as a stamp card.

The ditty on our map read thus, "Follow the Secret Garden Trail, some are more secret than others, some are always open to the public, some are private and others are hidden behind gates or a wall but deserve a visit. Have your card stamped on the back at each garden as you go." Intriguing...

The weather was changeable and much of our time was spent peeling off layers or whipping out umbrellas but we managed to enjoy ourselves nonetheless. The gardens were beautiful and it was lovely to spend an afternoon in the fresh air.

The afternoon didn't get off to a great start weather-wise. Just look at that sky!

 

After a quick look at the beautiful garden to the rear of the library we zoomed off, managed to park the car and linked in for the gruelling trek along the esplanade (the days of Duke of Edinburgh hikes long behind us, we're not exaggerating, our fitness levels are really that poor). We passed groups of friends and families along the way and it seemed like a good time was had by all, especially with free tea and coffee on offer at the Barnhill Rock Garden!

 

 

 

 

 

After a good mosey around and many, many pictures, we headed back along the esplanade. As you can see, the weather had perked up a bit and after all that walking about we were incredibly drouthy. A quick pit stop at the Glass Pavilion for tea and scones and we were off again! Next stop Windmill Garden...

 

 

 

 

 

Next we had a wander around Broughty Castle (well worth a visit) and popped round to admire the flower bed arranged in the shape of a dolphin. We couldn't get an aerial photo which is a real shame as it looked absolutely beautiful. If you are in the Ferry, pay a visit to the 'Dolphin Bedding' by Castle Green (it's by the children's play park).

 



Finally, we had to take another look at the kilted ostriches in McCalls Highlandwear. How cool are these...

 

unfortunately this chap's head appears to be in the clouds- woops!

The Secret Garden Trail ran from 1pm-4pm last Sunday but to find out more about Broughty Ferry in Bloom call 01382 436882 or visit:

 

http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/dundeebloom/broughtyferry/

 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Broughty-Ferry-in-Bloom/174187299340088

 

 

All content copyright Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014.

Introducing Broughty Ferry Gala Week

The start of the summer as far as Mish is concerned!





One half of Jute, Jam and Joy is currently in Chicago and the other half is absolutely not jealous. Not at all. (Keep telling yourself that Tori and you might start to believe it.) Anyway, before Mish toddled off there was one trip we just HAD to take together. Broughty Ferry Gala Week is not just of local relevance, oh no, the mere mention of this week long programme of events sees Mish's excitement level soar. Here's why...

Mish: For as long as I can remember summer didn't start for me until the Gala week at Broughty Ferry (a suburb of Dundee). Gala week is a week of celebrations consisting of fairs, sports, summer events and not forgetting the holy grail- the Children's Window Guessing Competition.

Tori: I have to interject here. It would be really, really hard to match her enthusiasm but I have 'fond' memories of trundling about the Ferry, peering in shop windows, looking for elusive out-of-place objects. Mish used to drag me along to take part in the Window Guessing Competition. Basically, you track down numbered pieces of diamond shaped card displayed in participating shop windows. You then proceed to scour the display for the 'odd one out'. I usually give up after a few half-assed attempts. I bloomin' hate puzzles, crosswords and the ilk. Mish is a pro. This year she identified several pins. Yes, pins.

Mish: I once entered the Best Pet competition with my tortoise Victor (any One Foot in the Grave fans out there?); we came 2nd, losing to a Pomeranian! We consoled ourselves with a fish supper at Murray's, only a 2 minute walk away from the park. That's what great about Broughty Ferry, it consists of one main street and a couple of side streets, everything is within walking distance of each other.

Tori: Now while the prospect of hunting down hidden pins, penguin toys, stray CD cases and the like, has me pulling my hair out and looking for the nearest pub, I have to take my hat off to Mish. She never fails to get into the spirit of things and her unselfconscious childlike enthusiasm is a joy to behold. In all honestly it's lovely to see the community come together and put on such a fun activity for the little (and not so little) ones.

Mish: As a local lass from the Ferry it always used to amaze me how many people you could cram into such a small place and I am proud to say the event keeps on getting better each year.

Tori: There were tonnes of other events on offer throughout the week and many were absolutely free. Last Sunday we ticked off a fair few locations on the 'Secret Garden Trail' map (post to follow) and had a blast even though it was drizzly, overcast and sadly for me, there was no gin involved.

The Queeen's baton was 'ere!

Did you visit the Ferry during gala week? What did you get up to?

Did you find this wee guy hanging out in the RBS window?

All content copyright Jute, Jam and Joy 2014




 

Mish | JOY TO THE WORLD #9

One Part of Broughty Ferry Beach - Thought we would give you a sneak peak of what's coming soon!




Photo Copyright Mish at Jute, Jam and Joy, 2014