It may be spring according to the calendar but the unseasonable recent cold spell probably sent most of us scurrying indoors from the garden, writes Alison Wilson, secretary of the Peeblesshire fundraising committee for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

However, it’s certainly time to be planning spring planting and with that in mind, Macmillan Cancer Support is  holding a plant sale on Saturday, May 27, from 10am till 1pm in the Burgh Hall, Peebles.

Building on the success of previous years’ sales, organiser Liz Leith has placed orders with nurserymen and garden centres, and the sale has already attracted the interest of local companies such as Quercus Plants, based at Lamancha, and Home Basics, who will be selling eye-catching wooden planters and bird boxes.

Quercus Plants are located at Whitmuir the Organic Place and, at 850feet above sea level, plants raised here are well-equipped to withstand the Borders climate.

The majority are propagated and grown on site for at least a season to give them a good foundation.

There will also be masses of bedding plants, annuals and perennials – and you can leave your purchases in our plant crèche for later collection or for delivery if you have other shopping to do.

Refreshments will also be on sale. Do come along and support this excellent cause and at the same time guarantee colour in your garden for months to come.