What’s On

In light of the most recent government advice, we have, with sadness, made the difficult decision to close the garden to visitors with immediate effect.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as life returns to normal.

Unfortunately due to illness we have had to cancel the concert

Please contact us via email or phone for the refund of any tickets purchased, Barbara Anderson on 07854 754013 or banderson456@hotmail.co.uk

As you can imagine Claudia and her team of volunteers having been working hard

Amending paths …

Reseeding …

And improving drainage …

All in advance of opening again 5th March 2020.

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.

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