Timeto getoutin thegarden

The season for garden openings is beginning and in the Stirling area Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is looking forward to its programme of openings.

SGS is a charity that supports the opening of gardens, mostly private, raising funds for charity. Sixty per cent of the funds raised go directly to the garden owner’s charity of choice, while the remainder goes to Qnis, the Queen’s Nursing institute Scotland, Maggie’s and Perennial.

Entrance is £5 (children free) and often there will be refreshments available.

Forthcoming openings inlcude Kilbryde Castle, Dunblane, on May 22 with an open day from 11am.

Visitors can wander round the beautiful garden of 12 acres, and meet some of Scotland’s growers at the plant fair held in front of the castle itself.

Refreshments are provided by James’ Speciality Coffee. The local charity supported is Leighton Library Trust.

On May 29 Bridge of Allan has a collection of gardens all open on the same day. Begin at St Saviour’s Church where there will be refreshments and a plant sale.

Then you can wander through the village visiting delightful gardens of all shapes and sizes.

The allotments are also open, with Froglife giving talks about making your garden wildlife friendly. The local charities supported are Artlink Central and St Saviour’s Episcopal Church.