Opening a fantastic selection of gardens across Scotland to raise money for hundreds of charities
3 birds

National Insect Week: bugs and beasties

Monday 18 June, 2018

National Insect Week runs from 18 - 24 June. It is organised by the Royal Entomological Society and  encourages people of all ages to learn more about insects. Lots of the gardens that open with Scotland's Gardens Scheme have wildlife areas to support small mammals and insects. Where will you visit?

A red admiral butterfly at Dalswinton House, Dumfriesshire
A red admiral butterfly at Dalswinton House, Dumfriesshire ©Margaret Ruston

Some fun facts about insects from the Royal Entomological Society:

  • Over one million species of insects have been described and named worldwide.
  • There are more than 24,000 species in the UK alone and we can find insects in almost every habitat.
  • Fewer than one in two hundred insects are considered to be potential pests.

Thirlestane

Thirlestane is a large, informal garden, with some rough ground and long grass. It previously opened as one of the Yetholm gardens, but since then a nine acre wood has been planted. This young woodland has a wide mix of trees, including some specimen trees. A spiral mount gives views of the Cheviot hills. There are two ponds and a burn. An orchard has about fifty varieties of apples and other fruit trees. Beech hedges enclose prairie planting in a formal setting. There is an enclosed flower garden, raised beds for vegetables and colour themed planting.

Saturday 2 June, 12pm - 5pm

Prairie planting at Thirlestane, Roxburghshire
Prairie planting at Thirlestane, Roxburghshire
East Gordon Smiddy, Berwickshire
East Gordon Smiddy, Berwickshire

East Gordon Smiddy

A garden newly created from farmland in 2008 with wonderful panoramic views towards the Cheviot Hills. Herbaceous borders, shrubbery, extensive vegetable garden and fruit trees. There is a pond, woodland and a wildflower meadow. The whole garden is divided by mature hornbeam hedging, grass pathways and interesting corners to sit and contemplate.

Sunday 24 June, 11am - 5pm

Netherthird Community Garden

Netherthird Community Garden is an oasis of calm in the centre of the Ayrshire countryside. We have a lovely cottage garden, flower beds, vegetable beds, and wooden gazebos funded by The Prince Charles Foundation. There is also a beach, play area, vintage cafe, a new nature trail, fairy door hunt and lots more. Volunteers run the garden which is used by a wide range of community groups and all the children and nursery children from the adjacent Netherthird Primary during the week.

Saturday 30 June, 12pm - 4pm
Netherthird Community Garden
Netherthird Community Garden ©Rob Davis