Author Archives: Gus the Estate Head Gardener

About Gus the Estate Head Gardener

I'm the person responsible for both the grounds and the livestock which are raised here. I live with Bree (my wife) in one of the cottages that has been here for centuries. I actually enjoy Winters here as my work load is considerably reduced as I let the younger staff members handle the needed work which leaves me time for reading, ice skating and skiing, not to mention just being with my wife. Bliss!

What’s New for the 24th of December: The Heist; Seasonal music and books; The Polar Express; winter ales; and Christmas Revels

Posted on 24th December 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Wassail! wassail! all over the town, Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree; With the wassailing bowl, we’ll drink unto thee. First stanza of the ‘Gloucestershire … Continue reading →

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Hrafnfreistuor (A Letter to Anna)

Posted on 3rd December 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Dear Anna, Did I tell you that Local 564 of the Ancient and Venerable Guild of St. Nicholas, which represents Santas, Santa’s helpers, department store elves, tree trimmers, candle lighters, professional gift wrappers, goose stuffers, roast chestnut vendors, plum pudding … Continue reading →

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What’s New for the 26th of November: Music we’re thankful for; fairy tales and myths; a graphic novel about a pandemic; an Old Hag, a Piglet, Canadian television, and hot chocolate!

Posted on 26th November 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” “I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” … Continue reading →

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Greening the Estate (A Letter to Anna)

Posted on 19th November 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Dear Anna, It’s over the past fortnight that the greening of the Estate took place and that means I’ve been very busy gathering such things as holly, winter berry, pine boughs, pine cones, and setting up the Several Annies and … Continue reading →

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Guy Fawkes Day (A Letter to Anna)

Posted on 5th November 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Dear Anna, It’s nigh unto Guy Fawkes Day and Iain’s Library apprentices got the jones to put on a full-blown celebration, which The Steward agreed to fund, provided that Iain gave them a full lesson on what Guy Fawkes Day really means in … Continue reading →

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Summer afternoon (A Letter to Anna)

Posted on 22nd October 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Dear Anna, So, Spring is waning fast, but summer’s not an event that just happens — it sneaks up on us like a barn own gliding past in the night. No, now we’re in the golden eternity, that endless perfect afternoon … Continue reading →

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A Kinrowan Estate Story: Béla

Posted on 24th September 2023 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

I noticed that Béla was enjoying a meal of  goulash and dark beer, something that the Kitchen being fond of him cooks him frequently. (I’ve had that goulash — it’s as good as any I’ve had in Hungarian eateries!) Like … Continue reading →

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Foxes

Posted on 6th November 2022 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Though fox hunting by the gentry was common in Scotland for centuries, this Estate never allowed them to be hunted here, so the Estate foxes have thrived. Even when we had a Gameskeeper here, before we abolished that position and … Continue reading →

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A Kinrowan Estate story: All Hallows’ Eve

Posted on 23rd October 2022 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

Gus, here. All Hallow’s Eve is eight days away, and the Staff is deep in preparations. Mind you, a lot of those are just fun and games: putting up decorations and scurrying around with secret costume plans. Some of the … Continue reading →

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A Kinrowan Estate Story: Kedgeree, or Khichari You If Prefer

Posted on 11th September 2022 by Gus the Estate Head Gardener

I had an exemplary kedgeree for my breakfast this morning along with a lovely lapsang souchong tea. Now if you’re reading this in the States, you might be puzzled as to what I ate. And when you hear what it … Continue reading →

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