The Herald - The Herald Magazine
GaGrAdReDnENoOfF theTwHEeWekEEK Lifeline to a longer growing season
New Hopetoun Gardens is unusual: it is one of the few garden centres in Scotland that has gardens surrounding the plant sales area. An ideal day out on a dry winter’s day, visitors can take a stroll in the woodland garden and browse the site before warming up with a bowl of soup in the Orangery tearoom.
The gardens comprise 20 different small areas, including a fairy garden display in the woodland. These themed demonstration gardens have been created over the past 20 years to inspire visitors and tempt them to recreate some of the features at home.
The garden centre and its surrounds were carved out of an old commercial forest by Lesley Watson and Dougal Philip when they moved to their new home from the walled garden at Hopetoun House.
New Hopetoun Gardens feature plants that are hardy for Scotland’s climate, helping the onsite team to advise customers how young plants will develop and mature.
This also assists those buying plants from the shop, as they can select ones that will thrive in the Scottish weather. Pieces of art displayed throughout the site also inspire plant buyers and add interest all year round.
The garden showcases many of the old and bold favourite plants that are considered staples today, alongside many of the new varieties of plants that continually appear to tempt gardeners.
New Hopetoun Gardens is a delight to visit all year round. However, winter is a special time for avid gardeners to discover the bones of its structure before the flowers begin to blossom in the spring.
Website: www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk Telephone: 01506 834433
Opening times: New Hopetoun Gardens is open every day 10am-5pm (in January). Last orders in the tearoom 4.30pm
Admission costs: Free
Garden of the Week is in association with Discover Scottish Gardens. For more information, advice and day-out ideas, visit discoverscottishgardens.org