This week has seen the beginning of a new lease of life for Newhailes estate in Musselburgh, as school pupils joined the National Trust for Scotland Chief Executive, Kate Mavor, in relocating snowdrops.
Overlooking the project were the Trust's archaeologists, ensuring the pattern of paths and flower beds were not disturbed, and Head Gardener Joshua Cook. On completion, Mr Cook will have the honour of being the first gardener to have tended this particular garden in nearly 70 years.
The flower gardens of Newhailes were once extensive and flourishing but after neglect during World War II, due to the loss of staff to the war effort, the garden's beauty began to wane and the family could no longer afford a gardener to maintain it.
The Trust is hoping to restore the garden to its former glory by using photographic and documentary evidence alongside archaeological information and reinstate its former design. This will be achieved using plants from the 1820s through to the 1920s.
'It is wonderful that, as spring finally seems to be arriving, we are here to start work to being this once beautiful garden back to life,' Kate Mavor enthused. 'This time next year, it will be a very different spot, as the garden paths and flower beds will be starting to take shape.
'Although it may be difficult to imagine today, the designed landscape at Newhails is of international significance. Today is the first step in helping restore it to its former glory.'
The flower garden is not the only aspect of Newhailes that will receive attention this year: 'we're breathing new life into Newhails,' Property Manager Rhiannon Naismith revealed. 'As well as the flower garden, we're in the midst of restoring our historic glasshouse and doocot. We're bringing in brand new family-friendly house tours, we've got new exhibitions planned and lots of new events too.'
Work on the flower garden is supported by the players of the People's Postcode Lottery.
For further information on visiting Newhailes visit www.nts.org.uk/property/newhailes)
A month-by-month guide to the most beautiful gardens to visit in Britain
Some gardens are even better in winter. Read our list of the best gardens to visit all year round.
Dates to remember: 12 anniversaries in 2015
There are some big anniversaries this year, from the consecration of Westminster Abbey to the Battle of Waterloo.
-
Myddleton House: The place that 'will help you learn what true gardening is' is open to everyone, and just 30 minutes from central LondonE. A. Bowles created a horticultural playground in the gardens of Myddleton House that was years ahead of its time, and continues to influence even today. Isabel Bannerman takes a look.
-
The East African holiday hotspot that should be top of your travel wishlist — and where to stayThere's more to Kenya than just safari.
