Garden Openings

3 Southfield Crescent

Stirling FK8 2JQ
Mary Menzies McCaig

Sunday 28 April, 1pm - 5pm (2024)

259

E:maryming@yahoo.com

Re-opening this year, this charming town garden has a variegated privet hedge in the front and behind this there are numerous pots and planters of spring bulbs to see in the beds and borders. The garden has a frog pond and many interesting specimen trees such as acers, magnolia black tulip, Cytisus (pineapple tree), Hoheria (snowdrop tree) and monkey puzzle planted throughout the garden. The sheltered semi-walled garden has raised beds along with a summer house and chicken run.

Directions: Southfield Crescent is close to Stirling's King's Park. From King's Park Road roundabouts, opposite the park gates turn into Drummond Place and Southfield Crescent is 200 yards along on the left, facing the grassy area ahead.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: CRY 60%

The Biblical Garden

King Street, Elgin, Moray IV30 1HU
The Friends of the Biblical Garden

Saturday 4 May, 11am - 3pm (2024)

0c4679

W:biblicalgardenelgin.co.uk

The Biblical Garden opened to the public in June 1996. The success of the garden since its opening relies on a good working partnership among the Friends of the Biblical Garden, Moray Council and UHI Moray. The Garden is used by the horticulture students to develop their skills. The gardens have grown and developed over the years and are now host to a broad range of garden features, interesting plants and mature trees. The main central area is paved and together with the surrounding borders reflects a Celtic cross. A large rose arbour represents the neighbouring cathedral. The gardens also host a rock garden, woodland garden, winter border, herbaceous border and an oriental-themed garden.

Directions: The gardens are on King Street, off North College Street and are adjacent to Elgin Cathedral. Parking along King Street is limited. All main bus routes stop along the A96 and the garden is in easy walking distance from these.

Admission: by donation

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Oakmore

Blairhoyle, Port of Menteith, Stirling FK8 3LF
Rachel Nunn

Sunday 5 May & Sunday 14 July, 11am - 5pm (2024)

1c69

T:07872 068080

In 2014 this garden was a 3½ acre field with a small wood and lots of rushes. Under the hands of a gardening fanatic and her willing husband, you will see a maturing garden with raised herbaceous borders, young orchards, a developing shrubbery, a rose garden, a bog garden and a variety of species trees. This is a garden for real plant enthusiasts and to enjoy it to the full, good footwear is recommended, particularly if it has been raining.

Directions: Blairhoyle is on the Thornhill to Port of Monteith road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Radical Weavers 60%

Birnam Bank Walled Garden

Birnam Bank, Birnam Glen, Dunkeld PH8 0BW
Kirsty Binnie

Saturday 11 May, 10am - 4pm (2024)

24679

This large walled garden appended to Birnam Bank in 1986 with new entrances, namely a stone archway with apple arch and wooden gate, onto an existing cobbled patio. A beech hedge was subsequently planted providing a boundary.

The owners moved here in July 2022 and began the process of restoring the garden to its former glory. Large areas are under development but there is a productive vegetable section, fruit bushes, a cut-flower border, a herbaceous border and many mature apple trees. A variety of well-established trees include two specimen copper beeches and an original fruiting walnut.

Directions: There is limited parking at the house. Please park at Birnam village or at Dunkeld and Birnam train station and walk to the garden up Birnam Glen footpath which is a five-minute walk.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Tayside Health Fund: Cornhill Macmillan Centre 60%

Regent, Royal and Carlton Terrace Gardens

17a Royal Terrace Mews, Carlton Terrace Lane Entrance, Edinburgh EH7 5BZ
RRCT Gardens Association

Saturday 11 May, 12pm - 4pm (2024)

3479

The largest of Edinburgh's New Town gardens still in private ownership, it remains largely unchanged since its formation in 1830. The design consists of an upland lawn of seven acres planted with specimen trees. The flanking woodlands of five acres are planted with spring bulbs giving a carpet of colour. Sitting on the lower slope of Calton Hill, the garden has beautiful views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.

Directions: Trams: To Picardy Place then walk along Blenheim Place and Royal Terrace turning right onto Carlton Terrace Lane, where the green garden gate is straight ahead. Buses: to Elm Row or London Road and directions above.

Admission: £7.50, children free

Charities: Firefly 60%

18 Buchany

Doune FK16 6HG
John and Sarah Burrows

Sunday 12 May & Sunday 21 July, 1pm - 5pm (2024)

2c59

E:wackwack1@btinternet.com

This is a cottage garden with perennial and fruit tree borders, along with raised beds for vegetables. Extensive use is made of pots and tubs planted with spring bulbs, herbaceous plants, annuals as well as shrubs and vegetables making them more accessible. The owners are well known for showing prize winning vegetables and flowers at flower shows in Stirlingshire. Visit in May and you can see the start of this process and then come back to the second open day in July to see the results of the TLC this garden has had.

Directions: As there is no parking available at the garden, visitors must go to Moray Estate Office FK16 6HG which is situated on the A84, 1.5 miles west of Doune through Buchany towards Callander. Turn into the Estate Office grounds where visitors can take the shuttle bus to the garden.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: British Heart Foundation 60%

Culzean

Maybole KA19 8LE
The National Trust for Scotland

Tuesday 21 May, 10am - 2:45pm. Please join us for a rare opportunity to spend the day with the National Trust for Scotland’s Simon Jones, Gardens & Designed Landscapes Manager and Iain Govan, Head of Gardens and Grounds at the wonderful Culzean Castle, in collaboration with Scotland’s Gardens Scheme. Please note, spaces are limited to 30. Advance booking is essential. Admission prices for National Trust for Scotland Members: £40.00. Admission for Non-National Trust for Scotland Members: £47.00. (2024)

03579

T:0165 588 4400 E:culzean@nts.org.uk

The 18th century castle is perched on a cliff high above the Firth of Clyde. The Fountain Garden lies in front of the castle with terraces and herbaceous borders. The large walled garden contains a wide collection of fruit, vegetables and cut flowers plus an extensive vinery and peach house. The 560 acre Country Park offers beaches and rock pools, parklands, woodland walks and the new Adventure Cove.

Directions: On the A719 twelve miles south of Ayr, four miles west of Maybole. Bus 60 Stagecoach, Ayr/Girvan via Maidens to the entrance. One mile walk downhill from the stop to the Castle/Visitor Centre.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Pitlochie House

Gateside KY14 7SQ
George & Fay Orr

Sunday 26 May, 10am - 6pm (2024)

269

T:07730135953

This established garden has year-round interest. A restoration project with quirky features, characters and surprises! Comprising lots of different areas, the garden is carpeted in spring with snowdrops, daffodils, camassia and then bluebells. Following on there are over 140 varieties of hosta, plus heuchera, hellebores, roses, clematis, and lilies.

There are formal herbaceous borders within two walled gardens, hedges, woodland, shaded planting, glass house, fruit trees, rhododendrons and azaleas. And pots of all description in every available corner.

Directions: On the A912 Gateside to Perth. The garden is on the right hand side, 200 metres from the village main street

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Gateside And District Community Association 60%

Norton House

1 North Deeside Road, Kincardine O'Neil, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5AA
Andrew and Nicola Bradford

Sunday 2 June, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

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Norton House, on the edge of historic Kincardine O'Neil village, is a detached Victorian property dating

back to 1840. The garden is new to Scotland’s Gardens Scheme but the owners are not, as Andrew & Nicky have moved from nearby Kincardine Castle into what was once Andrew's grandmother’s home. Happily the intervening owners were keen gardeners and this is a mature garden with trees, shrubs, herbaceous borders and a small orchard. An area that has been neglected for decades is being chain-sawed into submission as a woodland - work in progress!

Directions: Situated on the A93 at the eastern end of Kincardine O'Neil. Accessible by bus, the Stagecoach 201 service.

Admission: £10.00, children free

Charities: Children 1st 60%

Barnbeth House

Clevans Road, Bridge of Weir PA11 3RS
Laura Brown, Head Gardener; Dylan Brown, Assistant Gardener

Sunday 2 June, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

2c79

Barnbeth Estate is a country estate in Renfrewshire with an Arts & Crafts mansion at its heart. Extensive formal gardens with sweeping lawns and mature trees, formal patio area with pond, rockery with unusual alpines/shrubs, herbaceous borders running down the stream edge leading to a large pond. Large woodland with rhododendrons, eucryphias, azaleas and laurel, and a new topiary themed garden. This is a traditional garden with a modern twist - full of surprises.

Directions: From the A761 in Bridge of Weir, turn onto Prieston Road leading to Clevans Road, drive past Ranfurly Castle Golf Club. Turn right to stay on Clevans Road. Barnbeth is approx 1 mile outside Bridge of Weir on Clevans Road. There are cross country routes here from Lochwinnoch but this is the easiest route.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: St Vincents Hospice Limited 60%

Blackdykes Garden

Blackdykes Farmhouse, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 5PQ
Sir Hew & Lady Dalrymple

Friday/Saturday, 7/8 June & Thursday/Friday, 20/21 June, 10am - 5pm (2024)

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Blackdykes Garden was created 30 years ago from open fields. The three acre site has extensive views southwards towards the Lammermuirs. The formal heart of the garden consists of a series of rooms hemmed in by stone walls and clipped hedges of yew, beech and hornbeam. These are planted with roses, irises, climbers and perennials. Surrounding the formal garden is a network of mown grass paths and avenues, fringed with species roses, ornamental trees, shrubs and topiary. There is also a vegetable garden with sweet pea trellises and soft fruit.

Directions: Leave North Berwick on the A198 towards Dunbar. Half a mile after Tesco, turn right at Rhodes Holdings. After one mile you will arrive at Blackdykes.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Leuchie 60%

Srongarbh

The Loan, West Linton EH46 7HE
Mr and Mrs O Arnesen

Sunday 9 June, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

2c89

The property consists of an Arts and Crafts house (not open) with a large, well-established garden dating from the 1930s surrounded by woodland, with many trees and shrubs within the garden. This garden is approximately 1,000 feet above sea level, with acidic soil, high rainfall and low winter temperatures. In spring, the azaleas and rhododendrons provide a beautiful array of colours and the wide herbaceous borders continue flowering throughout the year. There is a formal rose garden with hybrid teas and old varieties of climbing, rambling and shrub roses. Below the formal terracing there is an original swimming pool as well as an ornamental pool under Japanese acers. The new owners are opening up areas of the garden with naturalistic paths.

Directions: A701 or A702 and follow the signs.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Ben Walton Trust 30% & Borders General Hospital, Margaret Kerr Unit 30%

Mouse Cottage

Strathtay, Pitlochry PH9 0PG
Penny Kennedy

Friday/Saturday, 14/15 June, 10am - 4pm (2024)

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T:07799 678067 E:mymousecottage@outlook.com

W:mousecottage.co.uk

Mouse Cottage sits on a south facing hill overlooking Strathtay. Small but packed with interesting features, it is a semi-wild haven of secret places where self-seeders mix with annuals and more formal planting. The owner is an artist who adores her garden space and collects quirky planting containers such as dustbins and dolly tubs. Her Pear Parasol and Holly Brolly are amongst her favourite features. Gravel paths wind through shady places full of joyous surprises such as Crambe cordifolia.

Directions: From the A9 take the exit at Ballinluig signposted Aberfeldy. Go through Logierait, after about four miles turn right at T junction. At Grandtully turn right, over the bridge, up the hill to Strathtay Post Office. Turn right passing the golf course up to the red telephone box. Mouse Cottage is next opening on the left, signposted. Please beware of flying golf balls! NB: No parking at Mouse Cottage. On street parking possible at Strathtay. Bus 23 (Aberfeldy to Perth) stops at Grandtully Bridge.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

River Garden, The Restoration of Auchincruive

The Bothy Office, Auchincruive KA6 5AE
Andrew, head gardener

Saturday 15 June, 11am - 5pm (2024)

04679

E:andrew@ifdas.net

The gardens date back to the 1900s, Auchincruive is steeped in horticultural history as the site used to be the West of Scotland Agricultural College. The gardens are going through major redevelopment to bring it back to its former glory, including restoring secret garden, walled garden, herbaceous borders and ponds that are within the gardens. Our main focus of the gardens is to produce vegetables for the Bothy Cafe, we have two large vegetable growing areas, one plot is no dig and the other is dig. We also have an arboretum that contains rare and endangered trees, including Sorbus Arranensis, Sequoia sempervirens, Sequoiadendron giganteum and cryptomeria japonica. The gardens also contain fruit, orchid and greenhouses and the grounds has a total of 48 acres that consist of woodlands, cafe and gardens. Our gardens are used therapeutically to help residents overcome addiction and improve their mental well being.

Directions: River Garden is located two minutes by car from the main Whitletts roundabout at the junction of the A77/B743. At the roundabout, take the B743 turn signposted Mossblown. At the bend in the road turn right into the Nellie’s Gate entrance at bus stop KA65.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: IFDAS 60%

Kirkside of Lochty

Menmuir, by Brechin DD9 6RY
Ed and Fi Troughton

Sunday 16 June, 1pm - 5pm (2024)

c679

T:01356 660362

This garden, designed by renowned local plantswoman Irene Mackie over 20 years ago, is now nurtured by the current owners. There are four distinct areas each with their own character. Along the short drive and to the east of the house is a spring woodland spot full of bulbs, leading to the new gravel garden, a sheltered spot to enjoy late summer sunshine amongst the agapanthus and grasses. The hot, sunny courtyard parterre is full of herbaceous perennials with high summer interest and from there, one is drawn through the beech hedge into a wilder area of three island beds with mixed planting, as well as a meadow loved by wildlife and bees. More recently the garden has been enhanced by careful reduction in the perimeter tree canopy opening up the westerly views to grazings and allowing the pollarded willow hedge to be back-lit by winter sun.

Directions: From the A90, take Careston/Fern/Menmuir turn just south of Brechin. Proceed towards Menmuir for about 2 miles. The garden is on the left behind beech hedge.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: St Andrews Scottish Episcopal Church 30% & Pitt Hopkins UK 30%

Covington Gardens

Covington Village ML12 6NE
Sharon Pearson

Sunday 16 June, 1pm - 5pm (2024)

1c469

T:07827236771 E:sharon.pearson69@outlook.com

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

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Pancreatic Cancer UK 20%, The Linda Norgrove Foundation 20% & Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust 20%

Kirkhouse

Traquair EH44 6PU
Mr and Mrs H Panton

Sunday 16 June, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

069

T:07793 019518

The Panton family moved into Kirkhouse in 2017 and have been enjoying working (with some help!), learning and experimenting with the 8 acres of varied garden. The garden is a mixture of formal and wild, with some areas having existed and evolved over many years. A delightful network of paths will lead you through a series of ‘rooms’ including a newly-planted large herbaceous border, a formal terraced lawn surrounded by mature trees and shrubs, a kitchen garden and greenhouse. There is a gently sloping path through mature woodland to the most recent project – a wildflower meadow. The garden is home to much wildlife and if you are lucky, you may meet one of the local red squirrels.

Directions: Follow the B709 out of Innerleithen for approximately 2½ miles until you reach the hamlet of Kirkhouse and look for the yellow signs. Parking in the church car park, beyond Traquair Kirk on right hand side.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Peeblesshire Youth Trust 60%

Southdean Mill

Southdean Mill, Chesters, Hawick TD9 8TL
Linda and Brian Falconer

Saturday/Sunday, 22/23 June, 11am - 5pm (2024)

1679

T:07930 199552 E:linda@beastieassemblage.co.uk

W:https://www.beastieassemblage.co.uk

An unruly, secluded family garden complete with mill ruins situated within 10 acres of young woodland. Approached down an avenue of crab apples, it features a romantic walled garden in front of the rose- covered, former miller's cottage, where perennials tussle with pretty annuals and biannuals. The old mill lade runs into a semi-wild pond with a turf bridge by the front lawn with its standing stones that depict the family. Behind the cottage, and sheltered by stone barn walls, is a very productive vegetable garden for the family with a wooden greenhouse, poly-tunnel and raised beds. The old farm courtyard makes an idyllic spot for a cream tea next to the stone barn where Linda will be displaying her assemblage art inspired by her garden.

Directions: 400m from Chesters village on the A6088 heading towards Newcastle, there is a farm track on the left.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Southdean Hall 60%

Kirkbrae House

Culross KY12 8JD
Sandra Bannister

Saturday/Sunday, 22/23 June, Saturday/Sunday, 20/21 July & Sunday 18 August, 11am - 4pm (2024)

2c467k9

E:Sandra.bannister18@gmail.com

An acre of walled garden sitting high in the village of Culross in the shadow of the Abbey. With meandering paths through perennial beds, bright annuals and shrubs and trees from as far as South America and Asia, the garden provides interest from late spring until autumn. The garden aims to provide an environment of joy, surprise and opportunity to sit and enjoy the spectacular garden views of the River Forth.

Directions: The garden is located on Kirk Street. On leaving the lower village start to climb up to the Abbey, the garden gates open directly onto Kirk Street. Car parking is either below the garden or near the Abbey. Buses come into the village from Dunfermline and Kincardine

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Tiny Farm

St Modan's High School, Royal Stuart Way, Stirling FK7 7WS
Alison Poole

Sunday 23 June, 11am - 5pm (2024)

2c69

E:poolea05s@glow.sch.uk

Tiny farm was created to support learners within the Autism Provision at St Modan's High School. The space is a mixture of raised beds, planted grass and small woodland areas. Learning for sustainability is embedded within the Tiny Farm. Planting is decided by the learners and includes a range of flowers and vegetables. 2023 was a bumper year for the strawberry crops and we will be selling some of our delicious homemade strawberry jam! The Tiny Farm enables our curriculum to come to life, allowing interdisciplinary learning to flourish as learners nurture the plants, harvest them, donate to the community and make products such as jam and soap to sell. The Tiny Farm is opening to showcase what is being undertaken.

Directions: From the A91, take exit off Muirton Roundabout to Holiday Express Inn. At Springkerse roundabout take exit to the Peak. Keep right, and turn right at approach to Forthbank Stadium carpark and follow the road to the car park for St Modan's High School.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Strathcarron Hospice 60%

The Hewke

Lockerbie, Dumfries DG11 2JY
Mr and Mrs Colin Endacott

Sunday 23 June, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

23e79

T:01576 610354 E:Diannepaula@hotmail.co.uk

A gently sloping garden with views across the Dryfe Valley. The approach is from the parking area through the Rock Garden towards a converted byre. The back wall features roses and a wisteria. A greenhouse is attached to the principal house, built in 1806. Continue past domestic ancillary accommodation (former coach house, stables and dovecote). You enter a courtyard abutting a former gig house to reach the walled garden which is split on two levels. The lower section features a vegetable garden and fruit bushes, whilst the upper section with bothy, displays roses and shrubs. This exits to a small woodland containing mature trees. Throughout the garden is a collection of copper beech trees and hedges , green beech hedges, rhododenrons, azaleas and fruit trees.
Champion Trees: Tulip and Walnut

Directions: Take B7076 north from Lockerbie & after 2 miles, join B723 signposted to Boreland & Eskdalemuir. Continue past junction for Sibbaldbie & after 500 yards, just before road bears right , cross small stone bridge on the right .

Admission: by donation

Charities: Epilepsy Scotland 60%

Brantwoode and High Glenan

24a Queen Street, Helensburgh G84 9LG
Tricia and Tom Stewart

Sunday 23 June, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

2c4679

Brantwoode (NEW) Munro Drive West, Helensburgh G84 9AA (David W Henderson): Brantwoode is a mix of informal and formal areas, chosen to complement the 1895 Arts & Crafts house. The south-facing front garden is beautifully terraced on three levels in red sandstone with a central lavender path dividing the main lawns. The top terrace is mainly perennials and small shrubs flanked by rambling roses. There is a shrubbery on the west side of the garden with rhododendrons, azaleas and acers while on the east side there is a woodland path with camellias, hydrangeas, magnolias and two large rhododendron trees. There are also several mature conifers. The lower terrace, sheltered by a beech hedge, has shrubs and many outstanding specimen trees, providing year round interest. There is also a rockery with two small wildlife ponds. To the rear of the house is the formal rose garden with many scented and repeat flowering roses backed by clematis and wisteria on the high sandstone wall. There is also a working area and small fruit garden.

High Glenan Helensburgh G84 9LG (Tom and Tricia Stewart): A secluded garden with burn and waterside plants, gravel garden, herb and herbaceous borders and kitchen garden with a selection of fruit and vegetables. Extensive programme of hard landscaping has been undertaken over the last ten years.

Directions: Brantwoode is the middle house behind Helensburgh Upper Station. Parking either in W. Lennox Dr or Rossdhu Dr. High Glenan is approximately ½ mile along Queen Street from its junction with Sinclair Street on the right hand side.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: The Woodland Trust Scotland 30% & Rhu and Shandon Parish Church of Scotland: Tower Appeal 30%

Blanerne

West Road, Charlestown KY11 3EW
Lesley and Geoff Fenlon

Saturday/Sunday, 29/30 June, 11am - 4pm (2024)

469

E:lesleyabloomer@gmail.com

South-facing hidden village garden with lots of paths to follow and many places to sit, both sunny and shaded. The centrepiece of the garden is a large oval pond with wildlife-friendly planting. Surrounding the pond are several mini-gardens including a rose courtyard garden with catmint, salvias, beech, false indigo and featuring a bubble fountain. There is also a vegetable patch, woodland, a shady courtyard and a summerhouse garden enclosed by a young purple beech/wild rose hedge.

Directions: Driving: follow signs from the A985 into Charlestown. Follow the road until you see the village shop, The Sutlery, which is available for takeaway all day Saturday and Sunday mornings - these can be eaten in the garden. Parking is behind the Charlestown Workshop which is next to the shop. Cycling: National Route76 passes c20m from the house. Public transport: bus 6/6A from Dunfermline or bus 88A from Kincardine or Inverkeithing. Get off at The Green in Charlestown and walk towards the shop. From the village shop, walk west about 20m along West Road. Turn left down the tarmac driveway opposite 10 West Road, and the garden is on the right hand side at the end.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Mary's Meals 60%

Moonzie House

By Cupar KY15 4NL
Katherine Watts

Sunday 30 June, 12pm - 6pm (2024)

c69

T:07720 266298 E:Kathy@joe-cool.co.uk

Moonzie House was formerly the manse to historic Moonzie Kirk, which sits a few metres away at the top of the small hill. The modest walled garden has been developed over 35 years around a pre-existing central circular feature and echoes the circles and curves to creates a garden that is traditional with some surprising features. As well as a wide variety of shrubs and perennials, the garden is home to a collection of over 60 different bamboo varieties which are subtly incorporated among more traditional plantings.

Directions: From Cupar take the A913 (Newburgh, Perth Road). In approximately 3 miles, shortly after the large bends at Kilmaron, turn right to Moonzie. Take next left, signposted Moonzie Church and follow the single track road to the top. After the farmyard bear right following the track alongside the wall or follow parking instructions. From Dundee take the A92, after Rathillet, turn left where Moonzie signposted, then instructions as above. Similarly, from Edinburgh/Perth, from A92 at Parbroath crossroads take the A913 and then as above.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Moonzie Kirk Preservation Trust 60%

Whitehouse & Grange Bowling Club

18a Hope Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 2AR
Whitehouse & Grange Bowling Club

Sunday 30 June, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

24679

E:wandgbc@icloud.com

W:www.wandgbc.com

The walled garden provides a backcloth for those bowling on the green or just sitting on the sidelines. The main feature is the rose garden, replanted in 2020, in part responding to Covid lockdowns when the clubhouse was off limits. Trees mark the coronations of George VI and Charles III. In 2022, children from Sciennes Primary assisted in planting trees to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee and the Club's 150th anniversary.

Directions: Heading south on Marchmont Road, cross over Strathearn Road onto Kilgraston Road, past the church on the left side and take the first turning on the right. Buses: 5, 9 and 24 to Beaufort Road stops.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: St.Columba’s Hospice Care 30% & Eric Liddell Community 30%

Fountainbank

5 Back Station Road, Linlithgow, West Lothian EH49 6AF
Mrs Tracey Smith

Saturday/Sunday, 6/7 July, 10am - 4pm (2024)

24579

T:01506 843506

Fountainbank is a new, developing garden with disabled access. A varied garden with a mix of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees with features including a pond, alpines and raised vegetable beds plus a few pieces of art. A nature-friendly environment designed for disabled access and relaxation.

Directions: Linlithgow Station is next to the house. Alternatively, any bus stop at the east end of the High Street is a short walk from the garden. If driving, leave the High Street at the B9080 and turn sharp right after the railway bridge. Disabled parking only at the house.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Multiple Sclerosis Society 60%

Milton of Finavon House

Forfar DD8 3PY
Milton of Finavon House

Sunday 7 July, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

0c8579

Milton of Finavon House is a Grade C Llsted building sitting within 1.8 acres of gardens and dating from around 1500. The garden is currently being restored replanted. There is a small meadow orchard with fruit trees and mown walkways, a formal semi walled garden with lots of current replanting , some newly restored small woodland walks and a kitchen garden with new and old planting. We hope that you will enjoy seeing the garden evolve over the coming years. Expect growth, witness the journey.

Directions: 2 minutes off the A90, north of Forfar and south of Brechin. Take the sharp turn off the A90 into Milton Lane and then about 1 mile on take the 1st right turn. Parking is in the Courtyard or feel free to park the village. A public WC is available in the courtyard, and although we are wheelchair friendly, there is an inside WC which will accommodate a wheelchair / walker, although it does not have rails bars etc. A water bowl for dogs will be available.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Charleston Forest Garden

43 Gourdie Terrace, Dundee DD2 4QT
L Wakefield

Saturday 20 July, 11am - 4pm (2024)

0479

A young forest garden in Dundee, practising permaculture principles. Perennial vegetables are scattered throughout the garden, along with medicinal herbs, fruit trees, edible hedges and ornamental edible plants. A small flock of chickens contribute to a composting system and there is also a 'chop and drop' approach being used. This garden is home to some Scottish heirloom vegetable varieties, with the intention to save seeds to share. There is a small patch of alpines and a number of roses throughout, along with some purely ornamental herbaceous perennials, mostly grown with pollinators and wildlife in mind.

Directions: In the centre of Charleston, Dundee, with some parking on Gourdie Terrace and Balgarthno Road. The number 28 bus stops around the corner at the community centre.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Dementia UK 60%

Naturally Useful, Marcassie Farm

Rafford, Forres IV36 2RH
Karen Collins

Saturday 20 July, 1pm - 5pm. We will be having talks and demonstrations through the afternoon from 1 - 3pm. There will be a tour of the willow field and dye garden and demonstrations of willow weaving and botanical printing (2024)

0679

T:01309 675052 E:karen@naturallyuseful.co.uk

W:https://www.naturallyuseful.co.uk/

We grow willow, grasses for fibre, plants for dyeing and flowers for printing. We harvest and, by hand, transform these raw materials into something beautiful and useful.

Directions: If using SatNav, only use the address Marcassie Farm (the postcode sends you to the castle). The willow field is on the right of the track just over the bridge.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Quarriers: Willow Field Health and Wellbeing Project 60%

SWG3 Community Garden

100 Eastvale Place, Glasgow G3 8QG
Jeremy Needham, Head Gardener

Sunday 21 July, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

2469

Situated behind the main SWG3 warehouse building, it’s a surprise to walk up the steps leading to this space and be delighted by the sight of trees, grasses, shrubs and perennials making a beautiful garden where there was once only derelict land between two railway lines. The garden has wide paths curving through the beds and the various indigenous trees subtly define the shape of the garden. Apart from the interesting planting, this garden, which was designed by the horticulturist and garden designer Jeremy Needham, has beehives and two different heights of raised beds which are used by the local community as allotments. Many of the plants were donated to SWG3 by The New York Times, who had their offices for COP26 in their buildings.

Directions: The nearest station to SWG3 in Glasgow is Kelvinhall SPT Subway Station, Partick, which is a 14 minute walk away. Free parking is available on Eastvale Place and Kelvinhaugh Street on Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Studio Warehouse 60%

Pitlochie House

Gateside KY14 7SQ
George & Fay Orr

Sunday 28 July, 10am - 6pm (2024)

2c69

T:07730135953

This established garden has year-round interest. A restoration project with quirky features, characters and surprises! Comprising lots of different areas, the garden is carpeted in spring with snowdrops, daffodils, camassia and then bluebells. Following on there are over 140 varieties of hosta, plus heuchera, hellebores, roses, clematis, and lilies.

There are formal herbaceous borders within two walled gardens, hedges, woodland, shaded planting, glass house, fruit trees, rhododendrons and azaleas. And pots of all description in every available corner.

Directions: On the A912 Gateside to Perth. The garden is on the right hand side, 200 metres from the village main street

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Gateside And District Community Association 60%

Mollan

Thornhill, Stirling FK8 3QJ
Iain and Ruth Howieson

Sunday 28 July, 12pm - 4pm (2024)

2c859

Mollan is a large 3 acre garden in rural Stirlingshire set in softly rolling farmland. The garden is designed as a series of smaller interlocking gardens, each with a distinct character, packed with rich, colourful planting, meandering paths, a formal lawn, a wild flower meadow, two ponds and a productive kitchen garden.

Directions: Leaving Thornhill on the A873 towards Aberfoyle, Mollan is on the left hand side a mile outside the village. There are stone pillars and a knee height sign saying Mollan House at the entrance which leads to a tree lined drive.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Thornhill Primary School 60%

Braehead Community Garden

Broom Road, Braehead FK7 7GU
Nikki Thomas, Development Officer

Sunday 4 August, 11am - 4pm (2024)

2c59

E:garden@braehead.org

Braehead Community Garden is an 11,000 square meter outdoor space, offering an array of activities and facilities including 126 micro allotments for hire, a communal toolshed, an apiary producing local honey, a large polytunnel for social events and free-range eggs from our resident chickens. We have a multitude of nectar beds and wild spaces, ensuring we are giving back to our environment and supporting and encouraging local wildlife. Our extensive rain water harvesting system keeps the garden running whilst reducing our carbon footprint. Produce is available for the local community at affordable prices. Come and enjoy home baking and take home fresh produce from the gardens.

Directions: From north on the A9 towards Bannockburn, take the first exit on Linden Avenue leading to Broom Road, turn right and the gardens are on the left. From south, on the A91 turn left on Pike Road leading to Broom Road.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Braehead, Broomridge & District Community Development Trust 60%

77 Kirk Brae

Edinburgh EH16 6JN
Michael Brown and Angela Casey

Sunday 4 August, 12pm - 5pm (2024)

24579

E:mvbrown55@gmail.com

A south Edinburgh garden of roughly 1200 square metres surrounded by a stone wall. Featuring a mix of mature and younger trees, herbaceous beds and borders, a vegetable patch, lawn, a 19th century cast iron vinery, an old monkey puzzle, pond and a patio. Since 2002 the garden has evolved from the traditional and formal to an informal, wildlife-friendly garden with a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs. The planting aims for year-round colour and variety, with a growing emphasis on fruit and vegetables and on small design elements. Still on its journey and very much a work in progress, the newest initiative is to turn some of the lawn into a small wildflower meadow. All inputs are peat-free and as organic as possible.

Directions: 77 Kirk Brae is towards the top of the hill on the left hand side, the number 77 is clearly marked on the main and side gates. Parking is on Kirk Brae or in the quieter Wolrige Road nearby. The 31 bus stops close to the property in each direction at the Kirk Park stop.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: SupportED or The Community Eating Disorders Charity. 60%

Southdean Mill

Southdean Mill, Chesters, Hawick TD9 8TL
Linda and Brian Falconer

Saturday/Sunday, 10/11 August, 11am - 5pm (2024)

1679

T:07930 199552 E:linda@beastieassemblage.co.uk

W:https://www.beastieassemblage.co.uk

An unruly, secluded family garden complete with mill ruins situated within 10 acres of young woodland. Approached down an avenue of crab apples, it features a romantic walled garden in front of the rose- covered, former miller's cottage, where perennials tussle with pretty annuals and biannuals. The old mill lade runs into a semi-wild pond with a turf bridge by the front lawn with its standing stones that depict the family. Behind the cottage, and sheltered by stone barn walls, is a very productive vegetable garden for the family with a wooden greenhouse, poly-tunnel and raised beds. The old farm courtyard makes an idyllic spot for a cream tea next to the stone barn where Linda will be displaying her assemblage art inspired by her garden.

Directions: 400m from Chesters village on the A6088 heading towards Newcastle, there is a farm track on the left.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Southdean Hall 60%

Stobwood Cottage Garden

Stobwood Cottage, Stobwood, Forth, South Lanarkshire ML11 8ET
Jamie and Kayleigh Robertson

Saturday/Sunday, 10/11 August, 1pm - 5pm (2024)

0c579

T:07885701642 E:jamierobertson04@hotmail.co.uk

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.

Directions: Travelling from the South, 1.5 miles north of Braehead on the B7016. From the North, turn off the A706 onto the B7016 at Wilsontown.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Braehead Village Trust 60%

Aldourie Castle Garden

Dores, Inverness IV2 6DP

Sunday 11 August, 10am - 4pm (2024)

579

T:07761 049125

Aldourie Castle garden has been designed by Tom Stuart-Smith and is an ambitious modern re-imagining of a traditional castle garden and grounds. The grounds include a walled garden, formal castle garden, arboretum and parkland. The 1.3 acre walled garden contains a large productive area which hosts a range of vegetables and cut flowers. There are espaliered apples and pears as well as soft fruit. Surrounding this area are extensive naturalistic borders, covering a range of habitats. The historic glasshouses are used to grow vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, figs and herbs. The castle itself is surrounded by two acres of gardens. These consist of large, late season, naturalistic herbaceous borders with beech topiaries and a central lawn with views of Loch Ness. There is an extensive terrace and smaller flower beds around the castle. Nearby is the Dell which is woodland in character and has more natural, native inspired planting. The four acre arboretum, containing some old tree specimens, is currently the subject of an interesting regeneration project.

Directions: Enter via the single track road adjacent to Aldourie Primary School, which is situated on the B862, 1.6 miles before Dores, when arriving from Inverness. Car parking is just before the electric gate on the left.

Admission: £8.00, children free

Charities: Highland Hospice 60%

North Newton Farm

Kilmacolm PA13 4TE
Carole Cameron

Sunday 11 August, 1pm - 5pm (2024)

2c679

E:carole.cameron100@btinternet.com

In six years, the new owners have transformed North Newton Farm garden. 'No straight lines' and 'any colour so long as it is pink, purple, blue or white' are the guidelines. Many 'finds' abandoned by the previous owners in and around the barns have been repurposed under the 'let's use what we have' philosophy. To suit the topography, the garden now has cultivated and wilder parts with stunning views. Many climbing plants and herbaceous borders surround the wildlife pond below a rockery. A small wooded area provides a lovely view. A Victorian style greenhouse and cold frames flank stone-built raised beds in a fruit and vegetable garden. The resident goats, chickens and donkeys provide ample fertiliser.

Directions: Take the B786 Lochwinnoch road out of Kilmacolm and continue for approximately two miles. From Lochwinnoch take the B786 Kilmacolm road for approximately six miles. Turn up the road signposted to Killochries at this point following the yellow SGS signs.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Pancreatic Cancer Action 60%

Blanerne

West Road, Charlestown KY11 3EW
Lesley and Geoff Fenlon

Saturday 17 August, 11am - 4pm (2024)

469

E:lesleyabloomer@gmail.com

South-facing hidden village garden with lots of paths to follow and many places to sit, both sunny and shaded. The centrepiece of the garden is a large oval pond with wildlife-friendly planting. Surrounding the pond are several mini-gardens including a rose courtyard garden with catmint, salvias, beech, false indigo and featuring a bubble fountain. There is also a vegetable patch, woodland, a shady courtyard and a summerhouse garden enclosed by a young purple beech/wild rose hedge.

Directions: Driving: follow signs from the A985 into Charlestown. Follow the road until you see the village shop, The Sutlery, which is available for takeaway all day Saturday and Sunday mornings - these can be eaten in the garden. Parking is behind the Charlestown Workshop which is next to the shop. Cycling: National Route76 passes c20m from the house. Public transport: bus 6/6A from Dunfermline or bus 88A from Kincardine or Inverkeithing. Get off at The Green in Charlestown and walk towards the shop. From the village shop, walk west about 20m along West Road. Turn left down the tarmac driveway opposite 10 West Road, and the garden is on the right hand side at the end.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Mary's Meals 60%

Lutra Holt

Penninghame, Newton Stewart DG8 6RD
Mark and Heidi Platts

Saturday/Sunday, 17/18 August, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

469

When we moved into the property six years ago, the garden was a completely blank canvas having had no work done to it. We have done extensive landscaping and improvements trying to encourage local wildlife. The garden has many flowers beds, and recent additions include a stone-built cold frame and large outdoor chess board. The property has a large decking area around the property overlooking the River Cree where the extensive views can be enjoyed.

Directions: From Newton Stewart we are four miles north on the A714. Look for the Portequip sign on your left and we are the first property on your right. From Girvan travel south on the A714 for about 20 miles. The Girvan to Newton Stewart bus number 359 runs on Saturdays.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution 60%

Amisfield Walled Garden

Haddington EH41 3TE
Amisfield Preservation Trust

Saturday/Sunday, 24/25 August, 11am - 3pm (2024)

08579

W:www.amisfield.org.uk

A large 18th-century walled garden, abandoned for many years until around 15 years ago and since transformed. The garden, which has an area of approximately eight acres, is completely enclosed by 16 foot high walls of dressed stone. Each corner features an elegant stone pavilion. Over the years, herbaceous borders, vegetable plots and fruit trees have been planted and new paths laid. A hornbeam walk, maze, sensory gardens and potager have been added. Apple trees were planted on the diagonal pathways and small orchards have been introduced. Willow beds surround the Winter Garden. A wildflower meadow and pond have been introduced as a further step in our biodiversity plan. A garden of interest and joy all year round.

Directions: Take the A199 from Haddington; turn south one mile east of Haddington at Stevenson/Hailes Castle junction - brown Amisfield Walled garden sign. Turn right just after the bridge over River Tyne. Parking available.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Amisfield Preservation Trust 60%

Auchterarder Allotments Association

Located behind St Margaret's Hospital PH3 1JH
Auchterarder Allotments Association

Saturday 24 August, 1pm - 3pm (2024)

2469

Embark on a journey from abandoned field to flourishing oasis at Auchterarder Allotments, transformed over eight years, hidden away off the High Street. Turning stony, weedy clay soil into a verdant haven of approximately 22 diverse plots, we champion the growth of local, nourishing, organic food, harmonising with nature both body and soul. Join us for a day of inspiration; indulge in tea and cakes (made from our own produce), explore with a guided tour, and engage in conversation with our passionate allotmenteers. Get inspired and embark on your own ‘grow your own’ journey.

Directions: Located behind St Margaret's Hospital. Access by foot from the High Street (Townhead) along a private lane between St Margaret's Hospital and Beechtree Place. Various parking on the High Street.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Auchterarder Community Sports and Recreation: Supporting green spaces project in the community. 60%

Bannockburn House Gardens

Stirling FK7 8EY
Bannockburn House Trust

Sunday 25 August, 10am - 4pm (2024)

2c69

E:admin@bannockburnhouse.scot

W:www.bannockburnhouse.scot

Bannockburn House, an A-listed mansion built in 1675 by Sir Hugh Paterson, now sits in 26 acres of woodland and gardens. Bonnie Prince Charlie visited in 1746 where he met Clementina Walkinshaw who would become his mistress. Local boy, John McLaren, creator of The Golden Gate Park in San Francisco began his gardening career here in 1860. The house and gardens suffered from 50 years of neglect before coming into community ownership in 2017 with restoration ongoing. Features include an enclosed kitchen garden supplying fruit and vegetables to two local food banks; herb gardens, an orchard, fruit cages, pollinator garden, wisteria border, labyrinth, polytunnels and raised beds. A short woodland walk passes 'The Five Sisters' - our fabulous giant redwood trees; the Fountain Walk passes our veteran lime trees, a cast-iron fountain (built by Steven in 1888 ), and our award-winning Apiary.

Directions: The house entrance is 0.2 miles from the Bannockburn Interchange (M9/Junction 9 roundabout) off the A91. Please car share where possible as parking is limited.

Admission: £7.00, children free

Charities: Bannockburn House Trust 60%

Carnoustie's Tropical Garden

28 Prosen Bank, Carnoustie DD7 6GS
Colin Wilson

Saturday 31 August, 2pm - 5pm (2024)

2469

A small tropical garden in Carnoustie. You'll be met by a stunning circular wall with a Brazilian slate seat to keep you cosy among Musa basjoo, tree ferns, Tetrapanax papyrifer rex and bamboos. You'll find a small collection of palms, including the spectacular Brahea armata, 'Mexican Blue Palm', Chamaerops humilis cerifera, a breathtaking palm, Trachycarpus fortunei, Trachycarpus wagnerianus and Chamaerops vulcano. The garden has elegant curves at every turn, creating a botanical wonderland. A jungle curved path is surrounded by tree ferns, Fatsia japonica and zebra grasses. At journey's end you'll find a beautiful Betula jacquemontii, Schefflera taiwaniana and macrophylla, Pink China, ferns, cannas, fatsias and Trachycarpus fortunei, in a hidden suntrap patio, accessed through the enchanting moon gate.

Directions: Buses 73 & 73C from Dundee/Arbroath. Prosen Bank is found by a path via Newton Road. No parking in Prosen Bank. Parking at football pitches on Newton Road or in adjacent streets.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Alzheimer Scotland 60%

Pitlochie House

Gateside KY14 7SQ
George & Fay Orr

Sunday 1 September, 10am - 6pm (2024)

2c69

T:07730135953

This established garden has year-round interest. A restoration project with quirky features, characters and surprises! Comprising lots of different areas, the garden is carpeted in spring with snowdrops, daffodils, camassia and then bluebells. Following on there are over 140 varieties of hosta, plus heuchera, hellebores, roses, clematis, and lilies.

There are formal herbaceous borders within two walled gardens, hedges, woodland, shaded planting, glass house, fruit trees, rhododendrons and azaleas. And pots of all description in every available corner.

Directions: On the A912 Gateside to Perth. The garden is on the right hand side, 200 metres from the village main street

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Gateside And District Community Association 60%

Mellerstain

Mellerstain House and Gardens, Gordon TD3 6LG
PA to the estate

Open all year round. Open daily, 11am - 5pm. Snowdrops and winter walks during the snowdrop festival. Tours of the House are available (at extra cost) Fridays - Mondays from 7th April - 30th September. (2024)

b3c679

T:01573 410225 E:enquiries@mellerstain.com

W:https://www.mellerstain.com/

The house is located within 100 acres of mature parkland and whether you want to enjoy a walk in the garden or picnic under an ancient tree, Mellerstain provides a magnificent backdrop and a serene location that has changed very little since the days of Adam and Grisell Baillie. Whilst the formal Italianate terraces we enjoy today were introduced a mere century ago, they are sympathetic to the original 18th century layout and the views of the gardens to the lake and the Cheviot hills beyond are quite breath taking. The formal gardens that we enjoy today were designed in 1910 by Reginald Blomfield in an Italian style sympathetic to the 18th century layout.Situated to the south of the house are a series of beautiful terraces with herbaceous borders and yew trees. Steps lead via a crypto porticus to the lower terraces and a sweeping stretch of lawn descends to the lake. Mercury stands sentinel, one of the oldest residents here, included in the 1725 plans. Amongst the sturdy oaks and majestic beeches in the north parkland, you will find the enchanting little thatched cottage discreetly tucked away with its own enclosed parterre garden.

Directions: From Kelso, head south-west on E Bowmont St towards Henderson's Ct 0.5 miles. E Bowmont St turns slightly right and becomes Edinburgh Rd 0.3 miles. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Edinburgh Rd/A6089 Continue to follow A6089 for 5.5 miles. Turn left.

Admission: details can be found on the garden's website

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Mouse Cottage

Strathtay, Pitlochry PH9 0PG
Penny Kennedy

By arrangement between 1 January - 29 November (not Sunday) (2024)

3c4k9

T:07799 678067 E:mymousecottage@outlook.com

W:mousecottage.co.uk

Mouse Cottage sits on a south facing hill overlooking Strathtay. Small but packed with interesting features, it is a semi-wild haven of secret places where self-seeders mix with annuals and more formal planting. The owner is an artist who adores her garden space and collects quirky planting containers such as dustbins and dolly tubs. Her Pear Parasol and Holly Brolly are amongst her favourite features. Gravel paths wind through shady places full of joyous surprises such as Crambe cordifolia.

Directions: From the A9 take the exit at Ballinluig signposted Aberfeldy. Go through Logierait, after about four miles turn right at T junction. At Grandtully turn right, over the bridge, up the hill to Strathtay Post Office. Turn right passing the golf course up to the red telephone box. Mouse Cottage is next opening on the left, signposted. Please beware of flying golf balls! NB: No parking at Mouse Cottage. On street parking possible at Strathtay. Bus 23 (Aberfeldy to Perth) stops at Grandtully Bridge.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Donation to SGS Beneficiaries

Dawson's Garden

The Old Post Office, Kilmany KY15 4PT
Liz Murray

By arrangement between 6 January - 22 December (2024)

45e9

T:07531571045 E:kilmanyartist@gmail.com

A small cottage garden, full of surprises. Developed from a bare rectangle of grass by the late artist Dawson Murray, it was designed to please the senses all year round with colour, form and scent. Stone paths edged with box meander out of sight past 13 apple trees and a plum tree; two varieties of fig; both a red and a green grape vine and roses chosen for scent. There are plenty of areas to sit and relax; by the pond, in a small grassy area through a rose and clematis arch, outside the studio facing the kitchen garden or up on the patio. All are accessible by wheelchair.
Champion Trees: Red Hazel

Directions: The Old Post Office is in the centre of the small hamlet of Kilmany, just off the A92, 8 miles from Dundee or 1.5 miles after Rathillet coming from the opposite direction. It can also be reached from Cupar via Foodieash.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Overcoming MS 50%

Barhill

Borgue, Kirkcudbright DG6 4UE
Guy and Jenny Houlsby

By arrangement between 1 February - 19 May (2024)

b09

T:07743 504981 E:jenny.houlsby@gmail.com

The garden was laid out around 1900, but had been left untouched for many years. Restoration is a work in progress with many areas still in their natural state. The garden has a lake, woodland and planted areas, including a bog garden, rockery, heather hill, herbaceous and shrub borders. There are extensive areas of snowdrops early in the year; these have been spreading and hybridising for about 100 years. The snowdrops are followed by displays of daffodils, primroses and bluebells. The garden has a healthy wildlife population and attractive views of the Isles of Fleet.

Directions: From the south take the coast road from Borgue. About 500m after “Coo Palace” the road dips into woods. The entrance is on the left 50m after some prominent white iron gates. From the north follow signs towards Carrick. Approaching the coast, with Knockbrex House ahead, stay left at the Y junction, pass Knockbrex and the entrance is next on the right after 200m. Parking is at the house.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Loch Arthur 60%

Tal-y-Fan

Laurieston Road, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire DG7 2BE
Janet & Sarah Wood

By arrangement between 1 March - 31 October (2024)

9

T:01557 815287 E:woodhill2uk@yahoo.co.uk

An over mature one acre plot is being developed into a many faceted garden with a varied mix of interesting plants. The Secret Path leads to Acer Valley and the Won-Kei Parterre, overlooked by the Loch Corbie Monster. A narrow log-lined way leads to West Wood, from where you follow the Burnside Path by the Flame Tree Forest and through the bamboo arch to Dry Wood to find Wood's Henge. Then up through Bluebell Wood to the top of The Rock, where Big Red, the giant squirrel resides, with views across the Fleet Valley. Back down and cross the lawns below the pond before heading up the granite path to the greenhouse, polytunnel, compost bins and the car park, with its collection of pots and troughs. Visit the front lawn and its well-stocked beds on your way out. Light refreshments may be available by arrangement.

Directions: Take the Laurieston Road north from Gatehouse of Fleet. After 1 mile fork right and then right at postcode sign. Turn left at top of slope. Tal-y-Fan (red roof) is at the very end.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Ruthven Cottage Hardy Plant Nursery

Delnies, Nairn IV12 5NT
Mari and Kevin Reid

By arrangement between 1 April - 30 September (2024)

c59

T:07874 779705 E:kevin.mari@gmail.com

The garden has exciting interest all year round. It features several large colourful herbaceous borders and many of the plants are sold at the nursery. The naturalistic style of planting with grasses and perennials looks good from late spring to late summer. There is also a pond, greenhouse and chickens.

Directions: From Inverness take the A96 to Nairn, Ruthven Cottage is on your left just before the Sandown Road Crossroads. From Nairn the entrance is on your right off the A96. Ruthven Cottage is at the end of the lane.

Admission: by donation

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries

Barlockhart Lodge

Glenluce DG8 0JG
Barlockhart Gardeners

By arrangement between 1 May - 30 September (2024)

0c69

T:07821 776226 E:neilharper1962@btinternet.com

A newly-created garden, which is very much a work in progress. The main part is a reclaimed riding manege, which has been transformed with meandering paths around borders planted with perennials and grasses to reflect the local undulating landscape. An alpine border and greenhouse are to one side of the house and traditional cottage-style borders are to the front and other side. A small vegetable plot with no-dig beds and raised areas is to the rear. The garden is situated about a mile from Luce Bay and has the benefits of the Gulf Stream, but the disadvantages of an exposed, shadeless position.

Directions: Take the A75 to Glenluce. On the hill which links the two Glenluce turnoffs, take the single-track unmarked lane, signposted for Whithorn Way. Property is roughly one mile along the lane, on the left.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Galloway Music Festival 60%

Beech Cottage

The Wynd, Muthill PH5 2AP
Rosalyn Serex

By arrangement between 1 May - 1 September (2024)

349

T:07590 813509 E:rosalyn@serex.me

Nestled at the foot of The Wynd in the conservation village of Muthill, the garden is surrounded by the ancient trees of Lindores. The main attraction of the garden is the collection of 200 roses interspersed with companion perennials. A well planted Koi pond provides a relaxing area to be seated.

Directions: The Wynd is a street perpendicular to Drummond street. The street name is clearly displayed on the corner house. The cottage is at the bottom of The Wynd approx 80 meters/30 seconds walk slightly down hill. Please note The Wynd is very narrow and is not suitable for large vehicles and is extremely difficult to turn around. Recommend using Drummond Street to park where there are usually sufficient spaces. Bus routes in Muthill: 18 – Auchterarder/Crieff; 45 - Town Service/Crieff; 15A – Perth/ St Fillans or Stirling; 615 – Perth/ St Fillans or Stirling. Bus stops are on Drummond Street - from here head east towards the church/old church monuments.

Admission: by donation

Charities: The Dystonia Society 60%

Struanbridge

Essich Road, Inverness IV2 6AH
Marcus and Catriona Jenks

By arrangement between 1 May - 31 October (2024)

2479

E:mjenks@greenx.co.uk

A small, well-stocked garden approximately three miles from Inverness city centre, set on three levels each with its own distinct character. The entrance to the garden includes a decking area where the hidden garden can be viewed, with a small fruit garden and raised beds. The small mid-tier area consists of mainly hydrangeas and rhododendrons and the very informal, hidden lower garden includes a wildlife pond, raised beds, and shaded garden area with a greenhouse, all framed by an old stone bridge and a small burn. Due to its layout, the garden is not suitable for wheelchairs and requires the ability to climb a number of steps to view.

Directions: From the Inverness Southern Distributor road (A8082) exit the Essich roundabout onto Essich Road. Struanbridge is located exactly a ½ mile from the roundabout, on the left.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: Macmillan Cancer Support 60%

Blanerne

West Road, Charlestown KY11 3EW
Lesley and Geoff Fenlon

By arrangement between 1 June - 31 August (2024)

469

E:lesleyabloomer@gmail.com

South-facing hidden village garden with lots of paths to follow and many places to sit, both sunny and shaded. The centrepiece of the garden is a large oval pond with wildlife-friendly planting. Surrounding the pond are several mini-gardens including a rose courtyard garden with catmint, salvias, beech, false indigo and featuring a bubble fountain. There is also a vegetable patch, woodland, a shady courtyard and a summerhouse garden enclosed by a young purple beech/wild rose hedge.

Directions: Driving: follow signs from the A985 into Charlestown. Follow the road until you see the village shop, The Sutlery, which is available for takeaway all day Saturday and Sunday mornings - these can be eaten in the garden. Parking is behind the Charlestown Workshop which is next to the shop. Cycling: National Route76 passes c20m from the house. Public transport: bus 6/6A from Dunfermline or bus 88A from Kincardine or Inverkeithing. Get off at The Green in Charlestown and walk towards the shop. From the village shop, walk west about 20m along West Road. Turn left down the tarmac driveway opposite 10 West Road, and the garden is on the right hand side at the end.

Admission: £6.00, children free

Charities: Mary's Meals 60%

Larch House

Clerklands, Near Lilliesleaf TD6 9JR
David and Julia King

By arrangement between 1 July - 31 August (2024)

2c79

T:01835 870888 M: 07985 691775 E:northcorner14@btinternet.com

New for 2024, the garden at Larch House is constantly evolving. Extending to over three acres and building on a layout, design and planting by the previous owners, further landscaping and renovation is ongoing. It includes a terraced area of vegetables and cut flowers edged by fruit trees, several mixed borders surrounding a lawn, a large natural wildlife pond and a newly-planted bog garden. The garden leads into a mixed wood planted about six years ago where meandering paths, sometimes steep, lead to extensive views of the Cheviots. Many of the paths are gravel and may prove difficult for wheelchairs.

Directions: Clerklands is a small hamlet approximately two miles from Lilliesleaf. On the A7 from Selkirk, turn left and follow signs to Clerklands. After approximately three miles the house will be clearly signed. On the A7 from Hawick, turn right and follow signs to Lilliesleaf and the house will be clearly signed. Car parking is on site.

Admission: £5.00, children free

Charities: All proceeds to SGS Beneficiaries