A visit to The Mallards Isle of Man

The Mallards Isle of Man is expected to become the Kew Gardens of this lovely island.

A visit to The Mallards has been on my wish list for some time. So when the invitation from Manx Plant & Garden Conservation Society, popped up in my Inbox, I replied immediately.  Tickets were limited to 35. You can imagine my delight when the confirmation email arrived, and my name was on the list!

In addition, we were to go on the steam train.  A garden visit and a trip on the steam train. Two of my most favourite things wrapped up in one outing.

Mark Shuttleworth and his team were at the Santon Station to meet us, and after a brief introduction, we were led by Mark and Monique, one of the horticulturalists on this massive project, to the Iris Garden. They explained the importance of establishing a microclimate to create the ideal growing environment, before introducing the final planting.  The Iris Garden will become part of the water filtration system, integral to Mark’s vision.

We continued up the hill to the Amphitheatre.  The site, specifically chosen for its natural contours and flanked on two sides by magnificent old trees, lends itself beautifully to the creation of the terraces. The site is reminiscent of a Greek amphitheatre and has been designed with families in mind. Once grassed, visitors can enjoy a picnic or a theatre production from the comfort of the terraces.

Japanese Garden in the Mallards Isle of Man

Next stop is the Japanese Garden which with its cascading waterfalls, will form a natural link to the Ancient Garden. That’s where massive boulders, specially sourced for this project, scatter the hillside.  Again, a microclimate has been created to protect the giant redwoods, firs and Monkey Puzzle trees. That will create the backdrop to this immersive experience, transporting us back to the days of the dinosaurs.

We continued across the road to the Lake, where the natural contours of the low-lying area dictate the best use of the land.  The lake has been designed so it can’t be seen in its entirety. A series of curves and promontories create a varied habitat that is visually pleasing and environmentally sound.

Accompanying us on our walk was Jane Prescott, the Manx Herbalist, who pointed out healing herbs and plants and their uses.  It’s always useful to know which ones to avoid! 

Potager Garden and Orchard

Onward to the Potager Garden and Orchard where the beautifully constructed stone terraces overlook the vegetable garden. Mark explained that the stonework is undertaken by a group of master craftsmen and it reminds me of the Zimbabwe Ruins I visited in my childhood.

The abundant growth here is a testament to the success of the no-dig method of gardening.  I was particularly intrigued by the “hot bins”, corrugated iron planters filled with cuttings and compost and topped with soil.  The difference in the size of the fruit tree growing in a “hot bin” compared to a fruit tree planted in the ground, spoke volumes.

The climb to the orchard at the top of the terrace is steep but worth every step. Monique showed us how trees that had been grown as bare root whips adapt more quickly to their environment and far outgrow those planted as young trees.  

Leaving the orchard, we followed the path along a grassy slope before climbing steeply to the top of the hill.  From here you get a sense of the scale of this 220-acre project. 

Cornus Zone in the Mallards Isle of Man

Who knew that behind the chapel on the Old Castletown Road, there are plans for a New Zealand moraines. Subsequently, the grasslands beyond will become the Cornus Zone, where every species of Cornus will be trialled to provide a sensory ecosystem. 

The tour was coming to an end as we made our way to the bottom of the slope, where a wetland will link the natural glen to the New Zealand Glen, a diverse habitat filled with forest plants.

This is a magnificent project and Mark Shuttleworth is a generous man with a wonderful vision.  The Mallards Isle of Man is a legacy that will be enjoyed by many generations for years to come. I felt very privileged to see it in the early stages of its development.