CELEBRATIONS took place at Kailzie Gardens near Peebles last Saturday night to mark two centuries of Walled Gardens at the historic site.

Over the last 50 years, the gardens have undergone a dramatic transformation thanks to a labour of love by present owner Lady Angela Hepburn.

Lady Hepburn answered her very own call of the wild when she moved to Kailzie in the early 1960s. At that time, the Walled Gardens had been allowed to grow wild. Her idea was to complement the magnificent setting of the property by bringing the gardens to their all encompassing beauty.

Lady Hepburn said: "The gardens had been totally neglected as a result of the war. It was a real challenge to progress the gardens but it has been a labour of love over the years. Gardening was my passion before coming here, but being here has enhanced it.

"We have a real team of people looking after things and they really have done a wonderful job. I have learned something from them and they have learned from me." In order to appreciate the problem Lady Hepburn confronted, it is important to realise that Kailzie stands at 700 feet above sea level on the south bank of the Tweed which means that generally the estate faces to the north and east. Winters can be severe making the challenge of maintaining a garden of such beauty even more impressive.

The Walled Garden contained by a magnificent 18ft high wall was built in 1811. It was grassed over during the war and seemed a logical place to start.

First, the island beds were laid out and planted with hardy shrubs and several varieties of old-fashioned roses. Then the Herbaceous Border was created, backed by a copper beech hedge.

A cupressus hedge was planted, leaving the old sundial designed by A. Adie of Edinburgh in 1811 as a centrepiece. That centrepiece now has a companion following the introduction of the beautiful ornamental vase designed and sculpted by James Parker. It proved to be a real talking point during the celebrations on Saturday evening. Kailzie was originally known as West Kelloch, which means wooded glen. Remnants of old forts on the hill indicate that man has lived there for centuries. The first recorded mention was in 1296 when William of Hop Kallow swore allegiance to Edward I and paid the princely sum of 30 shillings to the King.

Reflecting on the changes within the Walled Gardens Lady Hepburn added: "The gardens have changed a lot over the years, there used to be a tennis court but that disappeared.

"I learned a lot of my gardening skills from my grandmother and I think she would be very proud of how this has turned out. The changes have all taken time, it hasn't been a case of it all happening at once. We have taken it really section by section. It is ever evolving but it really looks superb." "We take a great deal of pride in the gardens, as I see it if we are going to open the gardens to visitors they have to look their best at all times.

"Our two main gardeners, Jake Hood and Guy Crohurst, are so dedicated they both love the gardens and work so hard. They are so good at planning and managing the gardens they are really at the top of their game."