Greening our urban jungles

Monday 16 April, 2018

Gardening doesn’t have to mean large formal gardens, lots of green space and countryside views. Urban gardening has had a lot of headline news space in recent years, and for good reason. Gardening urbanites have done so much to transform urban spaces to make them green and pleasant.

Whether you’re looking to escape the grey jungle of inner cities or you’re seeking inspiration for your own backyard, or window ledge, visiting an open urban garden is an unique experience. Scotland’s Gardens Scheme is delighted to have so many wonderfully diverse urban gardens open for charity all across Scotland, here are just a few of those open in May:

Redcroft

A walled garden surrounding an Arts and Crafts villa which provides an unexpected haven off a busy road. Planted and maintained with shape and texture in mind. Acid soil and relative shelter allow a wide range of plants to be grown. In early May there should be a fine display of colour from rhododendrons and other flowering shrubs, trees in flower and plenty of tulips and other bulbs, both in pots and in the garden.

Sunday 6 May, 2pm - 5pm
Admission £4.00, children free.

A tranquil space in the Redcroft garden ©Sheila Sim

An urban pond at 5 Fergus gardens

5 Fergus Gardens

This modest suburban garden, altered over several years and still developing, reflects the owners' various interests. The lively colours of the bulbs and plants of early spring lead into vibrant rhododendrons, azaleas, Magnolia stellata, and acers. Shrubs, herbaceous planting and roses fill the summer months. The framework of hedging and evergreens gives open vistas and hidden views, and interesting contrasts of plant form and colour combinations. The garden contains a productive greenhouse and raised vegetable and fruit beds, and artist's studio, several relaxed seating areas and a wildlife pond.....

Sunday 13 May, 1pm - 4:30pm
Admission £4.00, children free.

101 Greenbank Crescent

The front of the house is on a busy town bus route, but the back of the house is in the country, with views to the Pentland Hills and over the adjoining Braidburn Valley Park. The garden shows what can be done on a steeply sloped site. Paths and steps join a variety of distinct areas and terraces, each with a different character. The aim is to have colour, contrast and interest all year round.

Sunday 20 May, 2pm - 5pm
Admission £4.00, children free.

101 Greenbank Crescent

Hugh Miller's Cottage ©NTS

Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage & Museum

Domestic gardens, including the garden of wonders, created in 2008, with its theme of natural history, features fossils, exotic ferns, ornamental letter-cutting and a mystery stone. The sculptural centrepiece of this award-winning small but beautiful area is a scrap metal ammonite created by Helen Denerley. While at the birthplace, see the cobbled courtyard and the garden room - space for reflection and a walk around the garden named after Hugh's wife, Lydia....

Sunday 27 May, 1pm - 5pm
Admission details can be found on the garden's website.

Want to find more new gardens and garden events, we've got lots of exciting news for you on our 'What's New' page...just take a look:

Tulip bed at Wormistoune House, Fife

Part of the Fife Spring Garden Trail, 10th April - 23rd May

Daffodils in the sunshine at Auchmacoy, Aberdeenshire

Find daffodil gardens near you this April.

The Walled Garden, Tyninghame, location of one of the 'Growing Stories', storytelling events. Find one near you

©Jannie Bos

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