A group of three gardens in and close to Covington Village.

Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art. Ian and Sue Finlay moved to the farm of Stonypath in 1966 and began to create what would become an internationally acclaimed garden across seven acres of a wild and exposed moorland site. Collaborating with stone carvers, letterers and other artists and poets, the numerous sculptures and artworks created by Finlay explore themes as diverse as the sea and its fishing fleets, our relationship to nature, classical antiquity, the French Revolution and the Second World War. Individual poetic and sculptural elements, in wood, stone and metal, are sited in relation to carefully structured landscaping and planting. Please note that there is a 700m uphill walk from the car park and livestock grazing in the fields. For visitors with limited mobility, it may be possible to book a space near the house; call the garden for details.

This 200-year-old walled garden was completely redesigned and planted in 2014/15 with contemporary features within a classic design. The garden incorporates a modern rill and banks of colour with perennial flowers in a variety of borders. The resident bees enjoy the large area of traditional meadow flowers as well as the rose garden planted with lavenders, salvias and stocks. Outside the wall you will find mature woodland including a giant sequoia and a wildlife pond. If you are interested in fruit and vegetables, take a look at the raised beds and the peach tree and vine in the greenhouse. There are many secluded spots around the garden to sit and enjoy a cup of tea and a homemade cake.

A four-times winner of West Lothian Gardener of the year, Jamie invites you to Stobwood Cottage. In just four years he has established a hugely impressive garden in the South Lanarkshire countryside. Just shy of half an acre, colour dominates this garden. Wide herbaceous borders surround a velvet lawn. Stunning hanging baskets and tubs clothe the front of the cottage and are dotted around elsewhere. There is also a feature pond with a bridge, a cacti house, a polytunnel growing corn, pumpkins and squashes plus there is a productive vegetable plot to explore. A must for those less-experienced gardeners, and a delight for those who have a little more knowledge.

This 200-year-old walled garden was completely redesigned and planted in 2014/15 with contemporary features within a classic design. The garden incorporates a modern rill and banks of colour with perennial flowers in a variety of borders. The resident bees enjoy the large area of traditional meadow flowers as well as the rose garden planted with lavenders, salvias and stocks. Outside the wall you will find mature woodland including a giant sequoia and a wildlife pond. If you are interested in fruit and vegetables, take a look at the raised beds and the peach tree and vine in the greenhouse. There are many secluded spots around the garden to sit and enjoy a cup of tea and a homemade cake.