Plant Badges Growing in Your Garden

[creagdhubh]

Rex,

Many Macphersons still do wear red whortleberry as a plant badge-it has always been "interchangeable" with white heather. I have often seen Cluny wear both red whortleberry and white heather at different events.

I have not worn red whortleberry as a plant badge yet, however I would like to the next time I am in Highland dress. Would a common nursery carry it? Where would you recommend me locating red whortleberry or perhaps an equilavent?

Kind regards,

[ThistleDown]

Rex,

Many Macphersons still do wear red whortleberry as a plant badge-it has always been "interchangeable" with white heather. I have often seen Cluny wear both red whortleberry and white heather at different events.

I have not worn red whortleberry as a plant badge yet, however I would like to the next time I am in Highland dress. Would a common nursery carry it? Where would you recommend me locating red whortleberry or perhaps an equilavent?

Kind regards,

Yes, Cluny is very considerate -- makes him a good chief. White heather was adopted as an alternate badge by a new Macpherson society in London in the 1930s, I was told by someone who was at the formative meeting. Most likely that was because whortleberry was not available and white heather was, but there are a couple of less believable stories that circulated for a few years.

Vaccinium vitis idaea is available in most large garden centres in Scotland and Canada (although in Scotland most of the plants in private gardens have found their way there from Rothiemurcus or nearby wrapped in a bit of damp newsprint or a tea towel). I think you will find it available in centres where you are but, if not, check with a national mail order firm. There are two leaf sizes, of which the "Minor" is less leggy than the "Major" and better for domestic beds and wearing.

Cheers, Rex

[creagdhubh]

Rex,

Thank you for your very informative and quite helpful response, it is much appreciated Rex. I shall look into the red whortleberry situation and will definitely keep you abreast of what the results are. Cluny is indeed such a wonderful and considerate Highland Chief and is loved dearly. I am eager to meet with him, his son Jamie, and family again soon in August. Hopefully, God willing, you and I will have a chance to chat over a proper drink as well. I shall continue to stay in touch with you.

Cheers my friend,

[BoldHighlander]

I shall look into the red whortleberry situation and will definitely keep you abreast of what the results are.

And Kyle, if you get a red whortleberry planted in your garden, then please be sure to post a photo or two here!

Cheers!
:: T ::

[creagdhubh]

And Kyle, if you get a red whortleberry planted in your garden, then please be sure to post a photo or two here!

Cheers!
:: T ::

Will do Terry!!!

[creagdhubh]

Below is a photo of me wearing a few sprigs of boxwood in my bonnet at a local Highland games this past October. Boxwood is another plant badge, besides white heather and red whortleberry, of the Clan Macpherson - also, there are other Clan Chattan clans and families who choose to wear boxwood as their plant badge.

[BoldHighlander]

Looking good there Kyle!
I love the examples you've shared.

Along with my white winter heather, I had planted a summer variety (so I'd have constant blooming/colour). Unfortunately we had an unusually drier/warmer summer than usual and despite my best efforts I ended up losing both
The longer established winter variety (shown at the start of this thread) survived in fine style.

I think I'll try again in the Spring (this time), and give them a fighting chance.