Inveresk ready for visitors as part of Scotland's Garden Scheme

Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, visitors can meander through the horticultural delights open to the public under Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.

Charities benefiting this year are St Columba’s Hospice and the National Trust for Scotland.

As well as the gardens, there will be a display of botanical art by the ‘Botanigals’ in Inveresk Lodge Garden, which is run by the National Trust for Scotland and where the honeybee hives would also have been on show.

The garden at Catherine Lodge is one of the horticultural attractions which will be open to the public. Photo: Delia Ridley Thomas

Ian Orr, village representative of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, said: “Unfortunately, the recent Esk river flood knocked over two of the three hives, destroying one and threatening a second. However. the beekeeper, Ian Hutchison, will be happy to talk about the art of beekeeping at Inveresk Lodge Garden on Saturday afternoon. The lower level of this garden is still out of bounds as it recovers from flood damage.”

He added: “During the afternoon, refreshments will be available from Kawa coffee roasters of Portobello.

“It would be great for the environment if visitors bring their own cup.

“Easy-listening music will be played by Midlothian award winner Alex Thompson in The Green House at Eskhill during the mid-afternoon of each day.”

The garden at 26 Carberry Road. Photo: Delia Ridley Thomas

Mr Orr said: “Although some of the gardens are substantial, many of them have interesting corners that will inspire ideas for the smallest part of any suburban garden. If you are inspired by new ideas in the gardens, you may find suitable plants to purchase at the Macplants stall on Saturday.”

Those coming by car are asked to use the signposted parking on Crookston Road or in Musselburgh Grammar School car park.

Inveresk can also be reached using Lothian or Prentice bus services.

See scotlandsgardens.org/inveresk-village for opening times and more information