She published a book with Alan Bremner (Orkney farmer and breeder of hardy geraniums) of trees and shrubs that had been grown over the years in Orkney. It was not a list of recommendations but of plants that had been tried at some point with varying degrees of success. Plants that thrive in Orkney tend to be a select bunch and these have been carefully recorded, although naming has sometimes proved problematic. Elaine always said that advice "from sooth" should always be tempered with caution. It was one of the most useful books for a gardener starting out in Orkney (ie me) and gave an idea what might grow and what would not.
In the late 90s Elaine enjoyed a trip to New Zealand to look at the flora there. There are many New Zealand plants that are suited to the Orkney climate. The story I was told was that she came back from her travels with her muddy boots in a bag. Such was the wealth of seed material on the boots that she planted them. And being Elaine they probably grew!
For many years Elaine was a leading light in the Orkney Field Club and also wrote articles for "The Orcadian"newspaper. These were known as "Planticru Notes". As you will have noticed this is also the name of my blog.
This post is dedicated to Elaine Bullard and her work on Orkney flora and in particular Primula Scotica.
What a nice tribute to the woman who seems to have inspired you!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have such a garden hero! What a treasure for you to find when starting out your garden.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing her story. Very worth the telling.
Julie
A great tribute! I aspire to live that long and be so close to my garden.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like an amazing woman! It's interesting to know the story behind your blog name - I had wondered about it!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely tribute. Also very true that advice from 'the sooth' has to be treated with caution. True for us down in Edinburgh, so all the more so for Orkney.
ReplyDeletePeople insipred by the north are always very special. You might like to look at a tribute on my blog illustrated by some photos from Shetland : http://occasionalscotland.blogspot.com/2008/12/in-memoriam-oliver-postgate.html
Good post - but what does planticru mean exactly
ReplyDeleteElaine was an incredibly knowledgeable woman and self taught. She was correct as well about the importance of using Latin names, although I tend to be a bit lazy in that department.
ReplyDeleteA Planticru (planticrub in Shetland) is a small walled garden usually near the shore where the kale and other vegetables were grown.
Linda, thanks for that link. P (hubbie) is very fond of Noggin the Nog and the Clangers. He also did Norwegian classes in Orkney. I've been visiting Shetland for years and several of my Edinburgh friends have Shetland connections. Isn't Eshaness spectacular?
Lovely tribute to someone who has obviously inspired you and your gardening. She sounds a wonderfully knowledgeable lady and you will never forget her or her teachings as long as you are gardening yourself. Its all about passing on knowledge to the next generation and she has certainly done that with you.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, she sounds like a wonderful woman.
ReplyDeleteElaine did a lot to further the understanding of plants that will grow in Orkney. She was also a bit of a character driving a three wheeled reliant robin car around Orkney with a tent like addition to the roof which served as her mobile laboratory. I don't think we will see her like again!
ReplyDeleteThat little book was invaluable when starting a garden in Orkney and was recommended by Clive C in his gardening evening class: both were indespensible.
ReplyDeleteClive C's evening class was a must for all aspiring gardeners in Orkney. Loved his world weary enthusiasm or is that a contradiction?
ReplyDeleteHow lovely this tribute and the comments. My first cup of tea in Orkney was at elaines peedie house, courtesy of an introduction from a colleague at the royal Edinburgh botanic garden, where she was exceptionally regarded.
ReplyDeleteI was one of the lucky ones who occasionally helped her with field work, or herbarium specimens, being Very enthusiastic, fresh faced to Orkney I'm not sure I'd describe myself as much of a help. At her funeral her beloved prim scot was on view, with one of her amazing hand made jackets with pockets of tardis like capabilities!
Ps Clives a total gem! (he's the 'garden guru' I mention all the time, another brilliant plants person in Orkney. Thankfully he took me under his weather worn wing (our dept is next door to his) and now I get to share a tiny bit of his desk, if I'm good :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely gentleman he is!
You were privileged indeed. Not only to know Elaine but to know Clive as well.
ReplyDeleteI did get an invite to Elaine's garden but I couldn't go. I used to listen to her with awe at Science Festival Events. P used to do lectures about Orkney Thatch at OSF. Clive was always fascinating if a bit world weary....