Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Scottish Borders
The Setting For Scotland's Version of 'New England in the Fall'
Each year as summer fades out and the season of 'mists and mellow fruitfulness' takes over visitors flock to Dawyck, part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, to view its foliage as it adopts dramatic autumnal shades of red, orange and gold'.
The garden's world renowned arboreta is the perfect place to enjoy this fantastic seasonal display. It is home to some of the tallest trees in Britain along with exotic conifers and the unique Dawyck Beech.
Dawyck Botanic Garden Set in a Scottish Glen
The arboreta provides a perfect backdrop to the extensive collection of plants, both native and exotic, on display at Dawyck which has the perfect location of a picturesque glen in the Scottish Borders.
It is a fascinating place to visit at any time of year. From the colour point of view Autumn is the most dramatic but in spring visitors can enjoy carpets of snowdrops and daffodils while early summer brings the delights of spectacular azaleas, rhododendrons and what are described as 'pools' of blue Himalayan poppies.
Dawyck Botanic Garden Themed Trails
A great deal of work has been put in to ensuring visitors understand the significance of Dawyck's special collections. Themed trails allow them to follow the work of explorer and plant collector David Douglas after whom the Douglas Fir was named. The Scottish Rare Plant Trail reveals a great deal about the country's natural heritage and visitors can enjoy the world's first reserve for non-flowering plants.
The shop in Dawyck's new state of the art visitor centre carries a vast range of gifts and books as well as a selection of hardy plants reflecting those which grow in the garden. There's also a cafe providing coffees, teas and light lunches and a studio for exhibitions and events.
Dawyck is located 28 miles south of Edinburgh on the B712 and is eight miles southwest of the town of Peebles.
Dawyck Botanic Garden Opening Hours
The garden is open every day from February 1 to November 30. The gates open at 10.00am and close at 4.00pm in February and November, 5.00pm in March and October and 6.00pm from April to September.
The last entry is accepted one hour before closing time and anyone intending to visit should note Dawyck House is not part of the garden and is not open to the public.
Admission in 2009 costs £4 for adults, £3.50 for concessions and £1 for children. Families (two adults and up to four children) are charged £9.
Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Scottish Borders
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Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Scottish Borders
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