Gardens of the Scottish Borders

We begin our journey by meeting our expert gardener, Iain MacDonald, at Dublin Airport for our flight to Edinburgh. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to Dawyck Botanic Garden, located in the scenic Scottish Borders. This garden boasts one of Scotland’s most impressive tree collections and is home to a wealth of plant species from regions such as Nepal, Chile, China, and more.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to our hotel in the charming market town of Kelso, where we’ll be based for the remainder of our tour. 

Enjoy a group dinner at the hotel this evening.

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll visit Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott. The house remains much as Scott left it, filled with his fascinating collection of artifacts. The garden, designed by Scott himself, is a rare example of a Regency-style garden, with three distinct outdoor “rooms” offering picturesque views of the main house.

Next, we’ll explore Carolside Gardens, which have been cultivated for over 200 years. Known for its soft herbaceous planting, vibrant Delphinium beds, and subtle colour schemes, the garden features distinct “rooms,” including a Secret Garden, Winter Garden, Herb Garden, and an oval Walled Garden.

Our final stop today is Harmony Garden at Melrose Abbey, a tranquil space with manicured lawns, fragrant borders, and well-maintained fruit and vegetable beds, all set against the backdrop of a beautifully proportioned Georgian manor house.

This morning, we’ll visit Floors Castle & Garden, Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. Built between 1721 and 1726 for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe, the estate’s gardens include a Walled Garden, Tapestry Garden, and the formal Millennium Garden, all offering stunning views and unique features.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore Mertoun House Gardens, which overlook the River Tweed. The garden features a fascinating array of plants, shrubs, and trees, along with a preserved circular dovecot dating to 1567, ornamental ponds, herbaceous borders, and sweeping lawns.

After checking out of our hotel, we’ll head to Kailzie Gardens for a morning visit. This 20-acre garden and woodland area has been nurtured over generations and showcases all the elements of a classic garden. Highlights include the 19th-century walled garden, Mackenzie and Moncur Glasshouses, herbaceous borders, hedges, and a formal rose garden.

This afternoon, join us on a visit to Portmore Gardens, a beautiful Victorian garden featuring a 1.5-acre Walled Garden with herbaceous borders, a potager, a rose garden, and an ornamental fruit cage. The site also includes large Victorian glasshouses, home to an Italianate Grotto.

After a memorable few days exploring the stunning gardens of the Scottish Borders, we’ll transfer to Edinburgh Airport for our return flight to Dublin.