Spring is a great time to get out and visit a garden, and luckily Scotland has no shortage of them.
From the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh to the Logan Botanic Garden near Port Logan at the south-western tip of the country—where plants from South America and Australasia thrive due to the influence of the North Atlantic drift—you can't really go wrong with any of Scotland's stunning gardens.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds and head somewhere a bit more secluded, however, Edinburgh itself is home to a 'secret' garden that even many locals are not aware of. Situated in the historic and picturesque village of Duddingston, less than two miles from the city centre, is Dr Neil's Garden.
The garden is located at the foot of Arthur's Seat, between the 12th-century Duddingston Kirk and Duddingston Loch. This position offers truly stunning views out across the water, and it is no wonder that the spot has inspired artists for centuries—from Henry Raeburn to J.M.W. Turner.
The garden itself includes conifers, heathers, and alpines, with primulas, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas and some herbaceous borders. The splashes of colour are sure to brighten even the dullest day, though the best time to visit the garden is when it is sunny.
Dr Neil's Garden dates back to 1963, and as the name suggests, was created by Dr Andrew Jardine Neil and Dr Agnes Emily ‘Nancy’ Neil. The husband and wife were Edinburgh General Practitioners, and often encouraged their patients to come and help out with the garden—benefitting from the fresh air and tranquil lochside setting.
The two both passed away in 2005, though their legacy lives on at the garden with the Physic Garden. Formally opened in 2013, this is a part of the garden that celebrates the doctors' interests in horticulture and medicine—specialising in medicinal plants.
Another highlight of the garden is Thomson’s Tower, which pre-dates the Neils by centuries. Constructed in 1825 for the Duddingston Curling Society to store its stones, it housed both a meeting room for the curlers and a studio for respected artist (and minister of Duddingston from 1805 till 1840) Rev. John Thomson.
The Dr Neil’s Garden website states: "Many people find it more than a mere garden, and – both before and since the garden was created – this spot has to many been a place of inspiration (artistic, literary, and spiritual), and for meditation and contemplation.
"We hope that you too may also take away lasting memories, and spread the word about this special place to others."
Dr Neil’s Garden is open every day of the week from 10am until 5pm and entry is free, though "donations are welcome". There is also Duddingston Kirk Garden Room Cafe that is open from Thursday to Sunday.
More information can be found on the Dr Neil's Garden website.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
