This is a small area at the bottom of the steps in the woodland. Always mushy and frequently impassable this area has been planted with hostas, astilbes and loads of drumstick primulas and another favourite Persicaria Bistorta Superba.  I absolutely love this area when it is in full swing.  A lot of the alder is planted in this area too, to absorb some of the water and underneath them the American skunk cabbage which produces the most superb yellow leaves as it emerges from the bog in Spring!

I first saw this plant at the Dawyck botanical gardens (sister to the Edinburgh botanical gardens and about an hour and a half journey from here) where it has been growing for a lot longer than mine, and in May will just take your breath away.  Also planted here is liguilaria Desdemona which shoots up to about 4-5ft from ground level in one season topped with brilliant yellow daisy-like flowers.