IN association with Scotland’s Gardens, a charity that raises funds for other deserving causes, several gardens across Peeblesshire are opening their gates for the summer.

Peak over those garden walls and experience the hidden beauty of the Tweed Valley, and even catch a glimpse of some rare plants and flowers.

Scotland’s Gardens is celebrating its 85th birthday by inviting the public to wander the grounds of beautiful green, flower-filled spaces.

On Sunday, July 17, Drumelzier Old Manse, near Broughton and 8 Halmyre Mains, near West Linton, will be opening to the public. Portmore in Eddleston is also beginning its summer season and will be open every Wednesday afternoon in July and August. All proceeds are divided between a charity of the owners’ choice as well as Scotland’s Garden’s beneficiaries.

Set in the scenic Tweed Valley, Drumelzier is a traditional manse garden and has been developed by ministers and others for some 500 years. It boasts an unusual selection of plants including the extremely rare Meconopsis “Hensol Violet”. 

Plants grown in the garden will be on sale and delicious cream teas served in the Village Hall next to the garden. The takings will be divided between various charities including Drumelzier Kirk and the John Buchan Museum in Peebles. 

Lovingly created by Mr and Mrs David Reid over the past 20 years, Portmore Garden surrounds the David Bryce mansion house contain mature trees and offer fine views of the surrounding countryside. It even features Victorian glasshouses containing fruit trees, roses, geraniums, pelargoniums and a wide variety of tender plants.

Entrance is £6 and Firrholm Day Unit (Dementia Specialist Resource Centre) Peebles receives 40 per cent of the proceeds and the remaining goes to Scotland’s Gardens beneficiaries.

These are always popular days out for local people, and can be enjoyed by families or even if you just fancied a stroll around on your own.