In the beginning
Before planting could begin, the Robinsons first had to clear this area of scrub and brambles.
The site was so exposed that their original planting attempts failed, so a belt of conifers and other trees was added to provide shelter, and the soil was improved by adding sulphur pellets to increase acidity.
This allowed a number of rare acid-loving specimens of Camellia, Rhododendron, Pieris and Magnolia – which would not generally survive in this part of the country – to thrive here.