Gardening for the Queen

Brian Corr, head gardener, talks about the gardens at Balmoral

The front lawn at Balmoral Castle (2019-03) by BalmoralHistoric Houses

Brian Corr 1- 24:03:2021, 19.05
00:00

Balmoral is the Scottish country home of HM Queen Elizabeth II, set against the backdrop of Scotland's Cairngorm National Park. Here, Brian Corr, head gardener, talks about the gardens.

Richly composted beds at Balmoral (2021-03) by BalmoralHistoric Houses

Brian Corr 2 - 25:03:2021, 11.19
00:00

The gardens include a large Conservatory, glasshouses, vegetable and cutting garden as well as a series of sunken gardens, terraces and herbaceous borders. 

Geraniums in the Glasshouses at Balmoral (2020-07) by BalmoralHistoric Houses

Brian Corr 3 - 24:03:2021, 19.06
00:00

An impressive variety of geraniums are grown for display in the house when the Queen is in residence for the Court Period in August. The colourful display of hothouse blooms also makes them firm favourites with members of the public.

Queen of Scots, Sovereign of the Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle and Chief of Chiefs (2010) by Julian CalderNational Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Brian Corr 4 - 24:03:2021, 19.06
00:00

HM Queen Elizabeth here wears the robes of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's senior chivalric order but in the gardens at Balmoral she is on holiday and can relax with her family.

Winter snow in the gardens at Balmoral (2021-01) by BalmoralHistoric Houses

Brian Corr 5 - 24:03:2021, 19.07
00:00

Winters can be harsh in the Highlands of Scotland and the gardening team at Balmoral often have to contend with snow that can lie for months. 

Seedlings ready for planting out at Balmoral (2021-03) by BalmoralHistoric Houses

Brian Corr 6- 24:03:2021, 19.07
00:00

The gardening team at Balmoral delay planting tender seedlings until the early summer. Even in June they may need protection at night.

Organic vegetables growing at Balmoral (2020-07) by BalmoralHistoric Houses

Brian Corr 7 - 24:03:2021, 19.07
00:00

The entire garden at Balmoral is run on organic principles. The gardening team lavish attention on soil condition and employ companion planting as one of several strategies to discourage pests.

Bees in the Lily border at Balmoral (2020-07) by BalmoralHistoric Houses

Brian Corr 8- 24:03:2021, 19.08
00:00

Employing organic methods of pest control in the gardens at Balmoral allows all forms of beneficial pollinators to thrive.

Borders in the South Garden at Balmoral (2020-07) by BalmoralHistoric Houses

Brian Corr 9 - 24:03:2021, 19.08
00:00

Visitors enjoy the gardens at Balmoral through Spring and early Summer before the Royal Family arrive for their holidays in August.

The delphinium border at Balmoral (2020-07) by BalmoralHistoric Houses

Brian Corr 10- 24:03:2021, 19.08
00:00

The new delphinium border shows off the subtle shades of these stately perennials to best advantage and is an important recent addition to the ever evolving gardens at Balmoral.

Credits: Story

Balmoral Estates

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
UK Gardens
From the smallest window box to the largest country estate
View theme

Interested in Nature?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.