Winter Wonders in Briar Land Loch Earn

Happy Pumpkin Head on Misty Sunny Day Loch Earn

Bramble Bushes +Sloe Trees line Briar Cottages

Autumn seemed to come and go quickly this year. Mind you we have been fully booked and time flies when you are having fun! Still managed to pick brambles (blackberry's). My favourite flavour for crumble.  The sun shone on the autumn leaves making them even more spectacular this year. Then out came the pumpkins.  Its been a long time since I smelled the more traditional turnip lantern. Mr pumpkin simply has a bigger ba' face to work on. Fraser did us proud with four carvings strategically placed on our loch garden lights for best effect. Next on the list of to do's was picking the sloe berry's for gin.  In Lochearnhead we use a rough measurement.  

                  Lochearnhead Locals Sloe Gin Recipe

• Freeze sloes first so that they open 
• Buy inexpensive gin and whisky (Not Malt).
• Pour alcohol into bottles until they are a third full.
• Add Sloe Berries to each bottle
• Add a third of castor sugar to make up the final third
• Fill to the top and screw the lid back on tightly
• Give each bottle a good shake then lie them on their side
• Shake them every day for a week
• Shake once a week until the sugar has dissolved
• The Gin and whisky will turn a lovely pinky red colour
• Drink after 3-6 months or leave longer if you can.

I like to experiment and have made blackcurrant Gin and Vodka as well as Rose Hip vodka using berries from the garden.   I don't advise bramble white rum after trying it.  Turned out like rocket fuel......maybe not even that nice!

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Scary Briar Pumpkin

Smlley Briar Pumpkin

Snow fell just before we took a winter break, leaving our lovely guests from somerset in charge of the grounds in November.

Snow Falling at Briar Cottage

Misty morning behind Solar Owl

Autumn leaves falling in the rear garden, Lochearnhead

We will be revealing our "Statue" in the loch garden next. He has been added to help celebrate 2016 Year of Architecture Innovation and Design.  Fraser has been busy as usual!