The echiums at Jura House Garden are causing a bit of a stir again this summer. Visitors from California to Cornwall are commenting on the crowd of 12-foot stems. these plants originate in the Canary Islands. One specimen in the ‘Ying-Yang’ garden has curled right back on itself, but continues to produce little blue flowers.

‘Ardfin’s deep fertile soil and years of composting compare very favourably with the rocky volcanic soil of the Canaries, hence the giant size,’ says head gardener Peter Cool. There is a tea tent at the garden, now open from 11 – 5 on Saturdays as well as during the week. The first ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ for children (and their toys!) will take place at the Tea Tent just outside the Walled Garden on Tuesday 28th July at 2pm.