What’s On

Please note the Garden will be closed to visitors from Monday 21st October 2019 re-opening 5th March 2020.

Groups may visit but only by prior appointment arranged via the Garden
website (www.drneilsgarden.co.uk)

Over the last few years, the Garden has had an increasing volume of visitors. Indeed, we have been listed by Tripadvisor as 26th out of 421 visitor attractions in Edinburgh.

Whilst it is great that more and more people are finding and enjoying the Garden, those of you who visit regularly will have noticed the downside – serious compaction wear and erosion on the paths and in many areas such as the approach to the formal pond area where there are many exposed tree roots. This not only compromises the appearance of the Garden but also has Health and Safety implications.

We have therefore reluctantly taken the decision to close the Garden over the winter to give it a chance to rest and so Claudia and her volunteers can repair and reinstate the affected areas. We look forward to welcoming all our Friends and visitors back in Spring 2020.

Events advertised on the website under “What’s On” are unchanged.

Last year we introduced a Festive Table Decoration Workshop. We are repeating it this year.

This is lead by Anne McCrossin on Saturday morning 7th December 10:00 – 12:00.

Cost is £20 (£18 for Friends of the Garden).

The workshop will take place in the Garden Café Room in Duddingston Kirk Manse Garden.

To book any of these workshops please call or email Barbara Anderson, 07854 748013 or banderson456@hotmail.co.uk

Once more we are hosting the popular Christmas wreath making workshops. However, this year we are also running a workshop on Christmas table decorations (see separate post).

Claudia Pottier, our Head Gardener, will give a demonstration and be on hand to encourage and help throughout. All materials for the wreaths and decorations are all provided along with tea/coffee and homemade cake.

We advise you bring gardening gloves and secateurs.

The dates and times are:

• Saturday 7th December 13:00 – 16:00
• Sunday 8th December 2018 13:00 – 16:00

Cost £30 (£28 for Friends of the Garden) Held in the Miller Hall (Garden Café).

To book any of these workshops please call or email Barbara Anderson, 07854 748013 or banderson456@hotmail.co.uk.

Over the past four years, from October to March, we have offered a series of illustrated talks on various interesting subjects. These take place in the Garden Room on the first Thursday of each month (except January when it is the second Thursday) at 7.30 pm.

Excellent speakers continue to materialise and this year we have four speakers new to us. Talks last about an hour and are followed by an opportunity to ask questions and to enjoy a glass of wine. 

There is no charge for the evening but donations towards the upkeep of the garden are appreciated.

Here is the list of speakers booked for this coming session:

• Thursday 3rd October – “Behind the Scenes at Scottish Opera“, Andrew Storer, Technical Director of Scottish Opera

• Thursday 7th November – “An Edinburgh Garden“, Anna Buxton (talking about her own garden at Murryfield)

• Thursday 5th December – “Sir Walter Scott – Laird of Abbotsford, Elder of Duddingston“, Professor David Purdie

• Thursday 9th January – “The Life & Times of Mary Somerville, Queen of 19th Century Science“, Ian Archibald

• Thursday 6th February – “The Life & Work of John Kay, Edinburgh Portraitist“, Eric Melvin

• Thursday 5th March – “India in the 1960s“, Robin Orr

The Garden Room is now open again for Summer 2019.

Opening Hours are:

• Wednesdays: 13:00 to 16:00
• Thursdays & Fridays: 10:00 to 16:00
• Saturdays & Sundays: 13:00 to 16:00

As normal there is a great selection of teas and coffees, home baking … cakes, scones and tray bakes.

Soup served over lunchtime