Close to the centre of Haddington lies a historical garden. St Mary’s Pleasance, which is cared for by the Haddington Garden Trust, dates back to the 17th century. Once the orchard of neighbouring Haddington House, it fell into dereliction until, in the 1970s, it was restored.

Today the apples, pears, medlars and mulberries are underplanted with spring bulbs  that have spread into dense carpets, while a spiral mound forms a viewing platform over the 1.5 acre garden. A formal courtyard, with a sunken box parterre that in summer is filled with herbs, is reached by a laburnum arch and allee of pleached hornbeam trees.

Cottage-style planting starts emerging in spring and in summer the heritage roses add colour and scent.

St Mary’s Pleasance

Sidegate

Haddington

East Lothian EH41 4BU

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