Hello bud! Cheer at Gordon Castle near Moray village of Fochabers as exotic flower finally appears after a 42-year wait

This gorgeous Bird of Paradise plant has flowered for the first time in 42 years thanks to local horticultural skills.

The Bird of Paradise is named because of its resemblance to the plumage of the famous exotic bird.

This particular example was originally brought over to Scotland as a tiny seed in 1982, having been purchased by a Moray resident during a holiday to Tenerife.

Housed inside the porch of a property in Lhanbryde, the plant grew and grew – however it never once flowered.

Due to its size, it was donated last year to Gordon Castle’s Walled Garden, which is sited on the outskirts of Fochabers.

Here it came under the care of Ed Bollam, the castle’s head gardener, who has previous experience of Birds of Paradise.

Ed’s last job saw him working for King Charles at his Highgrove residence.

A renowned plant lover, the king had two of the plants amongst his collection.

Moray’s Bird of Paradise is now installed in one of the walled garden’s greenhouses – and it’s obviously finding its new home to its liking.

Liz Ashworth, who volunteered at the garden for many years, now writes about a regular blog about it.

She says: “Ed reckons that increased light and warmth has triggered the dormant plant into flowering mode.

“There’s one already with more on the way, we hope. So watch this space – or should I say greenhouse.

“Furthermore, tulips galore are bursting into bloom all over the garden as the days lengthen and temperatures rise. No need to travel to Amsterdam, a drive to Fochabers will suffice.”

The Walled Garden at Gordon Castle is open every day of the week from 10am-4pm.

Liz’s blog can be read HERE

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