Description:
A group of three gardens in and close to Covington Village.Covington Mill Farmhouse (NEW)(Sharon Pearson) Set amongst eight acres, the gardens have been transformed since 2019 from pastureland to a landscape of woodlands, wildlife habitats: formal gardens and recently, a prairie inspired garden. A restored watermill building and lade runs through the whole area, creating a meditative backdrop to the matrix and drift planting schemes surrounding them. Changing seasons and environmental challenges we face, are reflected in different planting responses to the garden's varied site aspects and aesthetic aims.
Hawk House Gardens (NEW)
(Angus and Angela Milner-Brown) The two plus acres of Hawk House gardens were formed in 2009. Protective mixed hedges, a wildflower meadow and lawns were planted on an exposed hillside with far reaching views. Since then the new owners have designed and planted additional gardens with extensive borders and herbaceous plants bringing much of their sizeable collection from the nearby manse. The new gardens include an alpine garden, hosta beds, a pond, new formal hedging leading to the wildflower meadows (80 species in 2023) and a hilltop pavilion nestled into a woodland.
Weavers Cottage (NEW)
(Sharon Paton) This quaint cottage garden with picket fencing, topiary and stone and brick paths and walls, is the canvas for a Grade B listed thatched cottage. Lovingly interpreted and restored over 30 years, following the original layout of these modest cottages whose long plots and ‘vennels’ lead to a little woodland and pond. The Newtown’s row of cottages dating to the mid 1820's, some with original thatch under tin roofing, are now a rarity in Scotland.
Directions: From the A73 turn off at Tinto Hill into the village of Thankerton and follow the SGS signs
Other details: Artist Tansy Lee Moir (www.tansyleemoir.co.uk) will be running an open studio and moth expert Jo Davies will be on hand to show the different species of moth found in the gardens. On road parking will be beyond Covington Village. A minibus will be provided for those who are unable to walk the 300-400m to the gardens.