Visiting us

In our new location, close to the old Hydroponicum, work has begun to create our new gardens (both in our new Keder growing houses and outdoors), but we are unfortunately further behind schedule than we had expected to be at this time, so we have no cafe or other facilities for visitors in 2009. 

As this is a new garden, we have spent time planning the internal layout of the Keder growing house, and so far 3 raised beds have been constructed, with soil-based growing established.  From reviewing our original plans we have decided to have a maximum of 6 indoors.

The hydroponics systems have taken a bit longer to set up.  Initially the priority was to get the strawberries, salads and herbs growing, as the demand for our fresh produce increased.  As we do not have any mains water or electricity it took time to source the correct renewable technology to give the power required for the pumps.  Even sourcing pumps was time consuming.  In theory, the rainwater harvesting was the most straight forward part of the operation but a dry May had us worried!

Di and Allan worked to create hydroponics on different growing levels – tomato and cucumber plants growing at ground level, salads, herbs, soft fruits, flowers… growing on a staging system, tomatoes and salads in hanging baskets and not forgetting the salads in 3 floating raft systems. Work on a dedicated strawberry system has also taken place.

We carry a limited stock of our hydroponic growing kits and supplies at The Garden but if you have a shopping list, why not call the office and order in advance – items can either be collected from The Garden or from the office in Altandhu. 

As with all gardeners we will be removing seasonal plants, cleaning, installing new systems and sowing seeds for 2010.  There will also be activity with the outdoor growing areas so we need to split our time between the office in Altandhu and the Garden in Achiltibuie.  We will be happy to welcome visitors by prior arrangement so please phone us on 01854 622202 or email info@thehydroponicum.com and we can make arrangements to show you round.  The office is open from 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday and visitors are welcome to call in.

Please note that the old Hydroponicum is no longer a visitor centre and that The Achiltibuie Garden will open its new visitor facilities, including a cafe, in 2010.