Planting Cycle & Garden Reports
Spring – Autumn Report 2025
Spring brought an abundance of Fritillary butterflies to the Orchard along with Cowslips, Narcissi and Tulips. The grass remained short enough to take advantage of the Spring bulbs. Blossom on the fruit trees was plentiful, a good sign that there would be good crops of Apples, Plums, Quince and Nuts.
In early May the garden held an Open Day to encourage new volunteers to assist with the maintenance. The event was a success with many people coming along to have a tour of the garden, enjoy refreshments and to hear more of what happens in the Pleasance throughout the seasons. There were twelve people signed up to become volunteers and an induction session was held. The volunteers have settled into a regular routine with the garden benefitting from the additional maintenance.
The garden continues to attract visitors who are local and from all over the UK. This year there have been many overseas visitors welcomed by the gardener from the USA, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
Arranged tours were organised for:
The East Linton ‘Walk and Talk’ group.
Changes, an organisation which promotes positive mental health and well-being in East Lothian.
Individuals with an interest in walled gardens.
Two of the raised herb beds have been refurbished. Both were emptied of old herb plants as well as invasive self-seeded species before digging over and adding new soil and compost before replanting. We were fortunate to have a visit from the group UPMO, an Edinburgh based charity which provides support and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and Autism, who contacted about assisting with a garden project. The replanting of the raised beds was perfect for them as it provided an accessible and hands on project they could all to be involved with.
In August the Beautiful Scotland judges visited Haddington with St Mary’s Pleasance included in the Blooming Haddington judging route. The hard work by the gardener and volunteers was showcased on the day, in particular the Rose bed which interested one of the judges as was a favourite flower. He understood the difficulties around maintaining the heritage varieties and offered some guidance.
Also in August, the garden was the venue for a small wedding which was held at the Apple House and Cottage Garden area. A very happy occasion for the Bride and Groom along with their close family and friends.
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On a sunny evening in late August, twenty-seven Haddington Scouts and four Scout leaders gathered in St Mary’s Pleasance Garden for an apple tasting event. This simple event needed to be organised quickly as Scouts meet at 7pm until 9pm and the light at this time of year is beginning to fade.
After a short tour of the garden, the Scouts wandered through the Orchard area and were shown where the apples they would be tasting were growing. The garden only grows heritage varieties of fruit, and it was explained how different the apples would taste compared to the ones available in supermarkets. The varieties chosen for the tasting were – White Melrose, Galloway Pippin, Discovery and Cambusnethan.
Great fun was had with the Scouts learning how to use the apple picking tool before settling on the lawn to taste slices of each fruit. In teams of four, with printed forms and pens, the Scouts were then asked to score the apples on – colour, aroma and taste before deciding on a favourite and then asked why they chose this particular apple. The results were surprising, as it was thought the biggest, red and sweetest apple would have been the favourite (Discovery). It actually turned out that Cambusnethan was the favourite as it was crisp with an unusual texture and flavour.
The evening was a great opportunity to highlight the benefits to mental health, particularly in young people utilising the green space of a community garden and enjoying learning about the produce grown there. The garden is also a quiet place to enjoy a stroll at any time of the year and appreciate the difference each of the seasons bring or to bring a book for a peaceful read.
In October, Haddington History Society organised a geophysics survey to be carried out in the garden by archaeological contractors. The purpose of the survey was to find evidence of a Royal Place that existed in Haddington in the 12th century.
The garden was represented at St Mary’s Parish Church Martinmas Fair in mid November where potted Narcissi, dried flowers and cards were sold as a small fundraiser. The fair is a good opportunity to highlight and promote the garden.
In November, a Garden of Remembrance was opened to commemorate loved ones who served their country in the armed services or other capacities. Organised by one of the garden Trustees, members of the public were invited to come along and install a small wooden cross in the designated lawn area. The crosses will remain in the ground until December.
The St Columba’s Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas tree is planned to be erected in early December followed by the lighting ceremony. This will be the 4th year for the Hospice tree in the garden and attracts many visitors over the festive period.
Cottage Garden
After a full replanting last year the four herbaceous beds grew and filled out well with lots of colour throughout late Spring and Summer.
Orchard
After the decision to only cut the grass once a year the wildflowers have flourished. We were delighted to find the Martagon Lily which was discovered last year has multiplied with large clumps popping up along the pathways. A bumper crop of fruit and nuts were enjoyed with evidence of foraging taking place. Measures to control this will need to be carried out in the future as some trees were damaged by people climbing to reach hidden fruit.
New fencing has been installed at the top of the Mount to discourage climbing through the Buxus.
Raised vegetable beds had a good crop of heritage potatoes which were made available for a donation to the garden. Beetroot and Leeks are growing well as a Winter crop.
Laburnum Allee
There were not as many racemes in bloom this year, partly due to the climate as well as vigorous mechanical pruning last year. Care will be taken this Winter to weave side shoots into the frame and encourage new Spring growth. Plan to ask the East Lothian Council nursery in Prestonpans to grow and nurture a few Laburnum trees for the garden in case replacements are needed.
Sunken Garden
New Lavender will be planted next year in the Spring. The old Lavender is due to be removed in early December which will allow the area to be cleared of weeds and prepared in plenty of time before replanting commences.
Louise Begbie, November 2025
Summer – Autumn 2024 Report
The largest project in the garden this year has been the refurbishment of the Cottage Garden. The area received a complete overhaul with the new planting flourishing in early Summer (further details later in the report).
The garden once again participated in the national campaign “No Mow May”. This year the east side of the lawn was identified, allowing the grass to grow the area soon filled with long grass, daisies, white clover, dandelions and buttercups, all providing nectar for pollinators. The long grass would normally be cut back sometime in June, but this year the decision was made to cut a path through the area, leaving the grass to grow further providing interest and shelter to wildlife.
The Sunken Garden now has a beautiful sundial in its centre. As previously reported (Winter- Spring 2024) the sundial is in memory of Pamela Roberts, who for many years had a significant role in the development and maintenance of the garden. The sundial, built from sandstone, was created and installed by a local charity “The Ridge” a charity in Dunbar which provides support and training to disadvantaged people.
In early August the Beautiful Scotland judges visited Haddington with the garden included in the Blooming Haddington judges route. It was a lovely sunny day showing the garden at its best and all the hard work carried out by the gardener and volunteers prior to the visit. Blooming Haddington received the results of this years entry in September at an awards ceremony in Aberdeen.
As well as achieving a gold medal the group came top in the medium town category and were awarded two discretionary awards - one being the Haddington 700 award for the Pleasance Garden and the David Welch memorial award for Something Special was awarded to Amisfield Walled Garden. The Haddington 700 award supported by East Lothian Council was launched in 2018 and awarded to the entrant in the Keep Scotland Beautiful awards who has developed or restored a feature or initiative celebrating local history or community traditions through horticulture.
Visitors to the garden will see that there are several benches in the garden sponsored with new plaques with only a few remaining now available for sponsorship.
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Blooming Haddington Wheelbarrow Trail
The garden participated in this year’s trail where the theme was “Cake and Celebration”. In the garden cart, Vincent the gardener put together a humorous take on The Two Ronnies four candles or fork handles sketch, naming it - A Celebration of British Comedy.
Volunteers - This year we have welcomed two new regular volunteers who have made a significant contribution in maintaining the garden.
Laburnum Allée
There was a plentiful display of racemes again this year in June. Always a highlight for the garden year, encouraging more visitors to the garden. The allée has received its annual pruning with more foliage being cut on the top. The gardener has woven some of the hanging branches into the framework which will benefit next year’s growth. We look forward to the hundreds of golden aconites showing along the length of the allée in late December / January.
Cottage Garden
This year the main project has been the restoration of the Cottage Garden. Over the years, and mainly due to self-seeding, many plants which shouldn’t have been there had found their way into the area. The aim was to restore the area with plant species which had 17th century or earlier origins in keeping with a 17th century Scottish walled garden.
A new plan was created by a local specialist nursery as well as advice to empty all 4 beds. Work commenced in February with the removal of all the plants. The dormant vegetable raised beds in the Orchard area were utilised to provide a temporary home for plants which would be reused in the new plan with others potted up and offered for a donation.
The new planting includes:
Lavender Munstead Salvia officinalis Purpurea Aster amellus Artemesia Pontica Golden oregano Persicaria bistorta Superba Iris Perrys Blue Thalictrum aquilegifolium Cardoon Bronze Fennel Paeonia officinalis Rubra Plena Campanula persicifolia Alba Artemesia abrotanum Artemesia absinthium Hyssop Golden Hops
The plants were ordered and delivered in late April/ early May.
Before planting, the soil received several digs and raking to remove any seedlings and weeds before planting commenced in late Spring. The soil was in very good condition and very little organic matter was needed. Mycorrhizal fungi was added to the soil to allow each new plant and the reused ones the best possible start in the newly organised beds.
To ease future maintenance, EverEdge has been installed on all four beds.
The Orchard
To encourage more wildflowers in this area the decision was made not to cut the grass in late Spring. During the Summer more wildflowers were spotted along with a wonderful surprise the “Martagon Lily”. Never been seen before in the garden and we are unsure to how it found its way there. Beautiful tall spires of deep pink coloured lilies were spotted in various positions within the orchard and one shorter white one in the Players Garden. They were left to die back naturally and we are hoping to see them reappear again next year.
The composting area is flourishing with the boxes now in a rotational order. Mature compost has been used in some of the beds and tree bases.
Rose Border
We enjoyed a wonderful display of flowering roses in June and early July. Unfortunately, prolonged heavy rain caused the roses to go brown and all had to be pruned back. The weather conditions over the Summer resulted in very few roses for the remainder of the season. Next year, in early Spring to encourage growth for the new season, the border is to receive a covering of a locally sourced and specific Rose growers mulch.
Raised Herb Beds
The 4 beds are due an overhaul and this is planned for next year. Sage, which had become woody and overgrown has been removed from the ‘Culinary’ bed. We will be relocating the culinary herbs to another bed (considering the domestic bed) due to a Yew on the other side of the wall dropping its poisonous berries.
Over the Summer and Autumn there has been a steady stream of - local groups, organisations, children’s nursery visits, wedding and family celebration photographs. Autumn seen an increase in visitors due to the Mulberries, plums, apple and nut harvesting.
Louise Begbie, November 2024
Winter - Spring 2024 Report
Early Winter in the garden began with planning for the refurbishment of the Cottage Garden. Claire McNaughton at Macplants was contacted for advice and to develop a new plan for the area. An initial meeting took place with the decision made, to clear all four beds of existing plants. The raised vegetable beds were put to good use as a temporary home for plants we are able to reuse in the new design. Some of the plants were relocated to areas in the garden and others have been potted and available for a donation.
Once again in mid-November the Pleasance Garden was represented at the St Mary’s Parish Church Martinmas Fair. As well as being a small fundraiser, the fair is a good opportunity to promote the garden. Various items were available at the stall including – flowering bulbs, candles, pinecones and the popular newly designed cards with images from the garden. All helping to boost funds.
We were delighted to support the St Columba’s Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ annual fundraising event. The beautifully lit Christmas tree once again featured on the main lawn from early December until the beginning of January. A lighting up ceremony was well attended with refreshments being served in St Mary’s Parish Church.
New signage has been fixed to the gates and adjacent to a new donations box which is fixed to the wall close to the interpretation board. The box has encouraged small donations to be made for plants, fruit, vegetables and appreciation for the garden.
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The extremely wet weather conditions over Winter and early Spring has resulted in various tasks normally carried out over the Winter still requiring to be completed. We were fortunate to receive a cut of the meadow area in the Orchard before the rain set in. This meant, the Snowdrops were visible when they appeared in December and January.
The past few months have seen two volunteers regularly coming along to assist Vincent the gardener. Denice and Jim carried out the pruning of the fruit and nut trees in late Autumn, early Winter. As a result of the pruning there is now have a plentiful supply of Hazel supports for use in the vegetable raised beds and Cottage Garden. There are plans for Denice and Jim to rejuvenate the border which sits behind the garages.
The Blooming Haddington
Wheelbarrow Trail theme this year is ‘Cake and Celebration’. We look forward to again participating in the popular community event, using the replica of a 17th century garden cart.
Laburnum allée
Visitors to the garden in early January enjoyed an early display of the Aconites along the length of the allée.
The sides of the Laburnum received a mechanical cut in late Autumn. The intention was to weave the top stems to promote more growth and flowering. Unfortunately due to the weather conditions this wasn’t able to be achieved. It will be interesting to see if there has been any detrimental effect to the foliage and flowering as, so far there are promising signs for a good display of the racemes in June.
Maintenance and shaping of the Hornbeam allée was carried out at the beginning of November. This substantial task requires a level of safety measures and knowledge with the work accomplished by a previous gardener to the Pleasance along with a volunteer assistant.
Cottage Garden
The beds are now being prepared for replanting. With most of the plants removed during the Winter, the task now is to dig and rake through the beds removing any weeds before the new planting. The soil is in very good condition and will need little additional nourishment.
New Planting Includes
Lavender Munstead, Salvia officinalis Purpurea, Aster amellus, Artemisia Pontica, Golden oregano, Persicaria bistorta Superba, Iris Perrys Blue, Thalictrum aquilegifolium, Cardoons, Bronze Fennel, Paeonia officinalis Rubra Plena, Campanula persicifolia Alba, Artemisia abrotanum, Artemisia absinthium, Hyssop and Golden Hops.
The plants have been ordered and due to be delivered late April / early May.
Lawn and Specimen Trees
It is planned to participate in the annual campaign ‘No Mow May’ on a smaller scale this year. An area to the East side of the lawn has been marked out for no grass cutting to take place until early June.
Encouraging the dandelions, daisies, clover and other wildflowers to develop and thrive, will in turn attract and benefit wildlife and pollinators to the garden.
There are a few trees which would benefit from being checked by the East Lothian Council Tree Officer. Some branches on the trees may need pruning and advice will be sought as soon as possible.
To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III, a new tree has been planted in the main lawn. To mark the occasion, a ceremony was carried out on April the 10th where Roderick Urquhart, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, carried out the planting of a Hawthorn tree. A plaque was provided by the Lieutenancy and installed in the ground next to the tree
Rose Border
Pruning was carried out in late Autumn with the climbing roses receiving additional pruning and fixing to the wires on the wall. Four shrub roses which were in the Cottage Garden have now been relocated to the Rose border. Further investigation is required to determine the varieties.
Raised Herb Beds
Herbs in the beds have had a significant pruning. An overhaul of the beds is overdue and it is hoped this will take place in Spring 2025.
The Orchard and Meadow
Early Spring bulbs of Snowdrops, Narcissi, Fritillary and Tulips have featured with more to look forward to. All fruit and nut trees were pruned last Autumn and are looking healthy with a good amount of blossom. The two green painted benches no longer required overlooking the Sunken Garden have been repositioned close to the Mount providing seating in the Orchard with a view to St Mary’s and in Summer, shade courtesy of the Pear tree.
The Mount, Raised Vegetable Beds and Compost Area
Buxus feed to be applied to the Mount in April. The Mount needs very little pruning this year as benefitted significantly from previous maintenance. Fencing on the pathway leading to the top is in need of renewal.
Some of the generated compost and leaf mould will be used in the Cottage Garden before the new planting takes place.
Heritage potatoes and vegetables will again be planted in the raised beds. This year the varieties of potatoes chosen are – Arran Pilot, British Queen and Foremost. The vegetables when harvested will be made available for a donation.
The Sunken Garden
The Yew tree in the centre will soon be removed and replanted in an available space in the Topiary bed.
A sundial has been set up to take the place of the Yew in the centre of the Sunken Garden. The sundial is in memory of Pamela Roberts, who for many years had a significant role in the development and maintenance of the Pleasance Garden. A generous donation has been made by Pamela’s family for the purchase.
A small area of box hedging will be removed to enable space to walk forward and read the sundial.
Two new memorial benches have been placed overlooking the Sunken Garden. One has been purchased by the family of Alan Robertson who recently passed away. Alan was Pamela’s partner and fondly remembered for his assistance at many fundraising events in the garden.
Louise Begbie, April 2024
Summer – Autumn 2023 Report
The garden has a new gardener, Vincent Docherty arrived in late Spring and settled in well to the routine of managing the established areas as well as welcoming the regular and new visitors to the garden.
In May the garden participated in the national campaign “No Mow May” where the main lawn was allowed to grow for a month. By doing this we were providing much needed nectar to pollinators. Small wildflowers appeared in the lawn along with some interesting grasses. This coincided with very hot weather and meant the grass did not grow as long as expected. The cooperation from East Lothian Council who cut the grass was much appreciated, particularly when they had to use a different machine for the cut in June.
Due to the hot temperatures in May and June the garden enjoyed more colour with the Peonies, Nepeta and Roses flowering earlier than usual. The Laburnum Allee racemes of flowers appeared slightly later and were plentiful attracting many visitors and social media attention.
An old slate trough which was found in a corner of the shed has been installed next to the path leading to the Nungate entrance. The trough which has been planted with Nepeta and Dianthus, sits beside a new memorial bench funded by the Higgin family in memory of Sam Higgin.
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The Blooming Haddington Wheelbarrow Trail theme for this year was ‘Year of Stories’ and what better story to tell than the Haddington Garden Trust 50th Anniversary. The wheelbarrow was full of golden flowers and foliage to celebrate with 2nd prize awarded in the organisation category.
The garden continues to attract individuals, groups, schools, nurseries and photographic opportunities for weddings and special occasions. In September the Health and Wellbeing programme at East Lothian Council organised to bring along a group to the garden and enjoyed a tour. It is planned to repeat this in the Spring when the garden will look very different than it did in the Autumn.
Following an extremely warm and dry Summer a more efficient watering system will be required for the future and this will be researched over the Winter.
After a few years absence due to Covid the St Mary’s Parish Church Martinmas Fair is taking place on November the 19th . This is a small awareness and fundraising opportunity for the Pleasance Garden which is always well attended. Any ideas and offers of help will be very much appreciated.
The Orchard
Following a significant pruning in 2021 the fruit trees yield of Apple, Damson and Plum this year has improved. The Filberts, Cobs and Quince will be pruned in the Winter. There is an increase in Wildflowers generally within the meadow. However, the second area to be seeded in Spring 22 which was not dug over but instead scarified has been less successful, but will hopefully flower in 2023. It is planned to sow further Yellow Rattle in December and instead of sowing Wildflowers in Spring, leave this until Autumn 2023 to help improve the success rate. We will consider planting native Wildflower plants in the Spring to assist self-seeding and colonising areas within the orchard. It is planned to cut circles round the base of a few trees as an experiment to see if this improves the health and appearance of the area.
The Haddington Camera Club is celebrating its 60th Anniversary by planting a new Victoria Plum tree a few feet away from the existing tree which is ageing and would need replacing in the next few years.
The North border next to the Mount has been re-edged to give more definition and appreciate the Lily of the Valley when in flower. We look forward to seeing the new Narcissus ‘Pheasants Eye’ when it appears next Spring.
Hamilton Border
The new planting of Aquilegia, Astrantia, Chelone, and Dryopteris has already shown us a taste of what we have to look forward to in the future. Climbing roses have been ordered and will be planted bare rooted in the next couple of months. A request was made by someone who enjoys visiting the garden for one of the roses to be planted in memory of a family member with a donation to purchase the rose to be given.
Laburnum
Racemes this year were plentiful and it is thought that the weather and temperatures in Spring were perhaps responsible for the size of the flowers. The gardener has suggested that the west end of the arch may benefit from being tied afresh to the metal framework as it was noticed some of the racemes were displayed above the ceiling of the archway. After the pruning by East Lothian Council in November, it will be beneficial for a general tidy up of the branches along the length of the archway before Winter sets in.
The Mount
There is some damage due to the Badger taking up residence last Winter and in the Spring. Some of the box is losing colour and will need to be monitored. Overall the shape of the Mount this year has been wonderful with many compliments received which is due to the careful pruning it received by the gardener.
New fencing at the top of the Mount will need to be considered soon along with new supporting posts.
Apple House Border
We are enjoying Autumn colour in this area due to the new Asters being planted earlier in the year.
Rose Border
The new roses planted last year produced a number of blooms but unfortunately two of the older bushes succumbed to the Winter last year and will need replacing. Support wires require fixing to the wall in certain areas (possible Winter task).
Suggestions for next year are to introduce 3 tall iron obelisks to create interest and introduce Autumn colour with Sternbergia Lutea (Autumn/Winter Daffodil).
Cottage Garden
The ‘hazel wigwams’ this year were supports for the heritage sweet peas which had been sown from seed before planting. There has been a continuous harvest of rhubarb which was picked and contributed to the Apple House produce. Weather and climate conditions this year has meant that the rose arch and surrounding hedge required more pruning than usual.
Suggestion of introducing more heritage cottage garden plants next year, for example Delphinium and Hollyhock.
Sunken Garden
Due to the hot and dry conditions this area has been difficult to maintain and it is planned to organise professional assistance to assist with weeding, cutting back and mulching for the Winter. A decision will be taken in early Spring whether to remove and replace some of the Lavender as there are now a few ‘woody’ areas.
Report for Winter 2022 and Spring 2023
Various plantings have taken place in late Autumn and early Winter. In the north facing border next to The Mount, 180 Narcissus ‘Pheasants Eye’ were planted to create Spring interest. A cultivated variety which is fragrant, suited to shade and later flowering was introduced to Europe at the time of the Crusades. A replacement Sorbus Torminalis (Wild Service Tree) was sourced and planted. This tree is in commemoration of the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
A Victoria Plum tree was planted in the Orchard to celebrate 70 years of Haddington Camera Club. The tree has been sited next to the existing Victoria Plum which still produces fruit but would need replacing in the next few years.
Three Alba Maxima bare rooted Roses have been planted in the Hamilton Border. One of the Roses was funded by Michael and Beverley Pawley who were present at the planting and requested that the following message was included in the next report:
‘A rose named Alba Maxima was planted at St Mary’s Pleasance Garden on Sunday 4th December 2022 and was sponsored by Beverley and Christopher in memory of their late beloved parents, Ronald and Kathleen’.
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Garden Area Reports
Two additional areas of the Orchard were prepared for the sowing of more Yellow Rattle seed in December. This continues the efforts to increase the wildflower numbers within the Orchard. Both of these areas will be returned to in Autumn 2023 where wildflower seeds will be sown for a display in late Spring early Summer the following year. This marks a change in the timetable as results were monitored over the past two Summers in what is a four year experiment.
To promote and raise funds for the garden we were able to be present at the St Mary’s Parish Church, Martinmas Fair event in November.
We were delighted to again support the St Columba’s Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ annual fundraising event. Many people attended the tree lighting ceremony on the lawn in early December with the tree remaining lit until the first week of January.
The garden will again participate in the Blooming Haddington Wheelbarrow Trail event with our decorative wheelbarrow sited at the entrance. The theme for this year is ‘Health and Wellbeing’.
The Orchard
Following an improved yield from the fruit trees, pruning of all apple varieties was undertaken in the Autumn with the hope of increasing this year’s yield.Eight of the climbing roses around the periphery of the Orchard were thinned, trained, reduced and tied in. In the past couple of years these roses have produced very little flowers and it is hoped this pruning will assist in rectifying this.
The Hazel trees are in good condition with a future supply of Hazel poles to be utilised elsewhere in the garden.
A ‘tree trunk bird bath has been sculpted and oiled with linseed. This will be placed somewhere in the Orchard. The cover of trees will help birds who visit and nest in the garden to feel safe and take advantage of this natural feature.
Survey reports are awaited for the section of wall needing repair within the Orchard. It is hoped that work will begin sometime this year.
The Mount, Raised Vegetable Beds and Compost AreaA Buxus feed will be applied to the Mount in April.
The raised vegetable beds are to be topped-up with a mixture of topsoil and compost. Leaf mould from the composters can also be added this year before planting commences. Heritage potato choices for this year are – Dunbar Rover, Pentland Javelin and Shetland Black. Beans, Carrots, Beetroot and Brassicas will fill the other two beds.
A large loose pile of leaf collected from the garden in the Autumn has been constructed behind the Mount. This will need to be turned soon to assist with the composting process.
Raised Herb Beds
This area of the garden will benefit from some renewal as some herbs have overgrown and others are no longer visible. The original plans for the beds will be followed when reinstating some of the herbs.
The climbing plants behind the raised beds were pruned early Winter and in good health.
Lawn and Specimen Trees
The Hornbeam allee was cut in late Autumn and is looking healthy with promising signs of new growth.
It is planned to participate in the annual campaign ‘No Mow May’ to benefit wildlife and pollinators in the garden. By not mowing the grass, small plants such as daisies, clover, dandelions and selfheal are allowed to develop and flower providing a much needed space for nature.
PathwaysWith the use of garden grit over the Winter, the condition of the paths have greatly improved reducing the need for chemical weedkiller. Hand weeding is still required in some areas. The garden grit is beneficial on the paths when the conditions are icy or wet and the flagstones become extremely slippery.
Wiring on the Walls to Support Climbers
Wiring was checked on all of the walls. A layout sketch of the garden was compiled highlighting where repairs and new wiring are required.
Laburnum Allee
Visitors to the garden in February enjoyed a wonderful display of Aconites along the base of the allee.
Over the past 4 years the Laburnum has been pruned mechanically as opposed to the time consuming pleaching used previously.
Flowering last year towards the west end of the allee was not as good and some of the established branches are held above the framework making it difficult for the flowers to appear on the inside.
This year consideration will be made to reinstate pleaching which should help with shaping and protect against bare areas establishing. A potash feed has recently been applied to the base.
Sunken Garden
A large amount of creeping buttercup has been removed from the Lavender beds. It is looking increasingly likely that the Lavender will have to be replaced next year as all plants are looking ‘woody’ with little leaf.
Buxus feed to be added to the hedging in April.
Topiary Border
The condition of the Yew is much improved with bronzing in the foliage decreasing. General granular feed has been used over the growing season which has contributed to the health of the trees. Decision to be made about replacing the two Yew which were removed. Peony shoots in the bed are protected with short branches and also act as a support for when they are flowering.
Rose Border - Pruning took place over the dormant season. Two older shrubs may need replacing.
Cottage Garden - Sweetpea ‘Cupani’ seeds have been sown in cardboard root trainers. When ready they will be planted and trained on the Hazel wigwams in the centre of the two main beds.
Researching Hollyhocks as a potential heritage cottage garden plant to use in the borders.
Summer – Autumn 2022 Report
After having a long dry Summer the garden seems to have entered Autumn very quickly and already plans are underway for the St Columba’s Hospice annual ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas Tree to feature once again in early December.
The Apple House has been open during the Summer with produce from the fruit trees and the new raised beds available for small donations. This has proved to be popular with regular visitors coming into the garden to enjoy the various fruit and vegetable offerings.
It is hoped that the restoration of the wall which was damaged in November 2021 will be assessed and completed sometime next year. There will be a significant amount of work involved after the repair, to restore the orchard and meadow area affected by the rebuild.
The Sorbus Torminalis (Wild Service Tree) which was planted last year to commemorate Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh unfortunately didn’t produce leaf in the Spring and had to be removed. A bare rooted replacement is to be sought and planted before the Winter.
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The Blooming Haddington Wheelbarrow Trail theme for this year was ‘Year of Stories’ and what better story to tell than the Haddington Garden Trust 50th Anniversary. The wheelbarrow was full of golden flowers and foliage to celebrate with 2nd prize awarded in the organisation category.
The garden continues to attract individuals, groups, schools, nurseries and photographic opportunities for weddings and special occasions. In September the Health and Wellbeing programme at East Lothian Council organised to bring along a group to the garden and enjoyed a tour. It is planned to repeat this in the Spring when the garden will look very different than it did in the Autumn.
Following an extremely warm and dry Summer a more efficient watering system will be required for the future and this will be researched over the Winter.
After a few years absence due to Covid the St Mary’s Parish Church Martinmas Fair is taking place on November the 19th . This is a small awareness and fundraising opportunity for the Pleasance Garden which is always well attended. Any ideas and offers of help will be very much appreciated.
The Orchard
Following a significant pruning in 2021 the fruit trees yield of Apple, Damson and Plum this year has improved. The Filberts, Cobs and Quince will be pruned in the Winter. There is an increase in Wildflowers generally within the meadow. However, the second area to be seeded in Spring 22 which was not dug over but instead scarified has been less successful, but will hopefully flower in 2023. It is planned to sow further Yellow Rattle in December and instead of sowing Wildflowers in Spring, leave this until Autumn 2023 to help improve the success rate. We will consider planting native Wildflower plants in the Spring to assist self-seeding and colonising areas within the orchard. It is planned to cut circles round the base of a few trees as an experiment to see if this improves the health and appearance of the area.
The Haddington Camera Club is celebrating its 60th Anniversary by planting a new Victoria Plum tree a few feet away from the existing tree which is ageing and would need replacing in the next few years.
The North border next to the Mount has been re-edged to give more definition and appreciate the Lily of the Valley when in flower. We look forward to seeing the new Narcissus ‘Pheasants Eye’ when it appears next Spring.
Hamilton Border
The new planting of Aquilegia, Astrantia, Chelone, and Dryopteris has already shown us a taste of what we have to look forward to in the future. Climbing roses have been ordered and will be planted bare rooted in the next couple of months. A request was made by someone who enjoys visiting the garden for one of the roses to be planted in memory of a family member with a donation to purchase the rose to be given.
Laburnum
Racemes this year were plentiful and it is thought that the weather and temperatures in Spring were perhaps responsible for the size of the flowers. The gardener has suggested that the west end of the arch may benefit from being tied afresh to the metal framework as it was noticed some of the racemes were displayed above the ceiling of the archway. After the pruning by East Lothian Council in November, it will be beneficial for a general tidy up of the branches along the length of the archway before Winter sets in.
The Mount
There is some damage due to the Badger taking up residence last Winter and in the Spring. Some of the box is losing colour and will need to be monitored. Overall the shape of the Mount this year has been wonderful with many compliments received which is due to the careful pruning it received by the gardener.
New fencing at the top of the Mount will need to be considered soon along with new supporting posts.
Apple House Border
We are enjoying Autumn colour in this area due to the new Asters being planted earlier in the year.
Rose Border
The new roses planted last year produced a number of blooms but unfortunately two of the older bushes succumbed to the Winter last year and will need replacing. Support wires require fixing to the wall in certain areas (possible Winter task).
Suggestions for next year are to introduce 3 tall iron obelisks to create interest and introduce Autumn colour with Sternbergia Lutea (Autumn/Winter Daffodil).
Cottage Garden
The ‘hazel wigwams’ this year were supports for the heritage sweet peas which had been sown from seed before planting. There has been a continuous harvest of rhubarb which was picked and contributed to the Apple House produce. Weather and climate conditions this year has meant that the rose arch and surrounding hedge required more pruning than usual.
Suggestion of introducing more heritage cottage garden plants next year, for example Delphinium and Hollyhock.
Sunken Garden
Due to the hot and dry conditions this area has been difficult to maintain and it is planned to organise professional assistance to assist with weeding, cutting back and mulching for the Winter. A decision will be taken in early Spring whether to remove and replace some of the Lavender as there are now a few ‘woody’ areas.
Report for Winter 2021 and Spring 2022
In Autumn last year, the signs were there that a Badger had taken up residence in the garden. It was hoped that it would have moved on to find an established sett before Winter, but seems to have made the garden its home for the time being. The gardener has been diligent in clearing its mess and repairing areas of the lawn which are affected on a daily basis.
In November, storm Arwen dealt a blow to the garden with a substantial area of wall coming down and forcing the necessity to secure and lock the Nungate entrance to the garden. After contacting ELC, heras fencing was quickly erected with the area in the orchard safely fenced off.
In early December, St Columba’s Hospice once again erected a Christmas tree in the garden for their annual “Light up a Life” charity. The opening ceremony was a very special occasion with music and many people coming along for the lighting of the tree.
Unusually for the garden, minor vandalism has occurred with the Apple House becoming a target. The honesty cash box was broken into and also 5 panes of glass smashed in the windows. A decision will need to be taken regarding access to the Apple House in the future.
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Garden Area Reports
The Orchard
•Introduction of new wildflower seed has progressed to a second section of the orchard. The ground was mown, prepared and scarified before sowing Yellow Rattle in December. Wildflower mix was then sown in February. The timing of the wildflower seed being sown is deliberately earlier in this Winter/Spring season to help establish growth. This years mix is particularly pollinator friendly, native plants intending to increase the diversity of flower within the orchard.
•In February three raised beds were constructed for growing heritage vegetables. Compost/top soil mix for the boxes will be ordered soon.
•Around 80% of the Muscari (Grape Hyacinth) has been removed from the Hamilton Border and replanted along each of the seven pathways within the orchard. The benefit of doing this will be seen next year in the Spring.
Lilac
•Circles have been cut from the grass surrounding the 3 lilacs to improve the appearance of the area as it welcomes visitors from the Church gate.
•As an experiment, the Agapanthus which were growing in the Hamilton Border have been replanted around each of the Lilac to create interest in Summer. Flowering may not happen this year but the benefit of moving the plants to a more open and sunny position will hopefully encourage flowering next year.
Hamilton Border
•A new plan has been devised for the longest border in the garden with the intention to create seasonal interest. Planting includes a variation in foliage and additional climbers. Space to do this has been made possible by removing the Muscari and replanting it in the Orchard.
•Extensive research has been made to identify plants which fulfil 17th Century origins with:
- Aquilegia Canadensis
- Astrantia Major Alba
- Chelone Glabra
- Dryopteris Filip Mas
- Dryopteris Expansa
- Dryopteris Affinis Cristata
- Oreopteris Limbosperma
- Rosa Alba Maxima
- Lonicera Sempervirens
•At the West point of the border a small area of turf has been removed to improve the appearance of the corner. Muscari has been used to fill this area with Dryopteris Expansa to follow soon.
Laburnum
•A high potash feed has been applied in February.
•Once the Aconite leaf is cut, the soil surrounding the Laburnum walkway will be aerated as it has become compacted.
Lawn and Specimen Trees
•Some areas of the lawn require treating for moss. A number of dandelion clumps have been removed and this along with the damage caused by the Badger over the past 5 months means that some reseeding will need to be carried out.
• It is intended to contact the ELC Tree Officer to inspect and advise on the maintenance and health of each specimen tree within the garden.
Sunken Garden and Topiary Bed
• Generally the Yew are in better health than this time last year. Feeding with Buxus feed and general fertiliser at specific times of the year have helped. However, the foliage in one of the Yew’s continues to be brown and lacks vigour. A decision on whether to remove this Yew will be taken soon.
• The Lavender in the Sunken Garden has become woody with a decrease in flowering last year. It will be assessed this year with potentially needing to remove and replace with new plants for next year.
• Some new Santolina plants may have to be purchased this year to fill in gaps.
• The box hedging has benefitted greatly from feeding with Buxus feed.
Rose Border
• After replacing a number of Roses last year the area is looking healthy and showing a good amount of new growth for this year. The Badger is keen on the Rose bed, however, with no obvious detriment.
• Climbing Roses have been thinned with older stems removed and looking better for doing this.
• Heritage sweet peas are growing in the shed with the intention to add three tepee supports to the Rose bed for them to climb and add height, fragrance and interest throughout the Summer.
Apple House Border
• Existing plans for late Summer colour with Aster and Echinacea remain in place.
• One of the three Bladder Senna did not survive the Winter and has been removed.
Cottage Garden
• After the success of adding vegetables to the Cottage Garden last year we will again use the Hazel cuttings to be used a structure for peas/beans. Potatoes this year will be grown in one of the new raised beds in the Orchard. Soft fruit is an option to be considered.
• Intention to add Hollyhock and Delphinium as traditional garden plants.
Players Garden
• The Iris which was removed and divided from the Cottage Garden last year and planted in the Players Garden should flower this year.
• The Laurus Nobilis (Bay) which succumbed to the Winter of 2020/21 has been removed as, unfortunately did not recover. Decision needs to be taken on whether to replace it or not.
• A young shoot of Alder Buckthorn was planted in late Autumn as part of the efforts to assist the Brimstone Butterfly to colonise North of their usual range.
The Mount
• This is an area which has suffered damage from the Badger activity. The lower Buxus has been trampled in places. If the Badger moves away from the garden we will take stock of any remedial measures required.
• Fencing around the top of the Mount requires new posts to support the fencing.
• Step levels have become compacted and need some attention.
Raised Herb Beds
• Three new Rosemary plants were added last year and growing well.
• The Passiflora (Passion Flower) which was feared lost from the previous Winter has managed to survive with new shoots appearing. A new plant has been added alongside the existing one. This featured in last year’s Summer wheelbarrow entry in the Blooming Haddington Wheelbarrow Trail event.
Compost
• All of the wooden bins are now in use composting a mix of brown and green waste. Mature compost will be added soon to the Topiary Border, Sunken Garden and Cottage Garden.
• Any turf which has been removed has been stacked alongside the compost bins producing future loam.
The HDCC (Haddington District Community Council) have expressed an interest in planting a tree for the Queens Green Canopy and Platinum Jubilee celebrations. As there is no space to do this on the lawn area, it has been suggested that a Victoria Plum is planted a few feet away from the existing Victoria Plum tree in the Orchard. As the tree is very old and producing little fruit it would need replacing in the next few years. The tree plan on the interpretation board for the Orchard would remain correct if a new tree was planted close to the old one. Awaiting a decision from the HDCC regarding this suggestion.