SCOTLAND’S GARDENS SCHEME
DUNS OPEN GARDENS
SUNDAY 18th JUNE 2023
For the third year running the beautiful Border town of Duns will host an Open Gardens Day, for charity, organised by Keeping Duns Blooming Marvellous (volunteer group) and supported by Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
The Open Garden Day will be held from 12.00 noon to 5.00p.m. on Sunday 18th June and around 11 local gardens will be open to the public. The gardens vary greatly from small areas, filled with colourful bedding plants, to rambling areas of woodland, ponds, vegetable gardens, courtyards and tailored lawns. We’re sure there will be something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced gardener, a novice gardener or just looking to share new/different ideas.
As well as visiting the open gardens, visitors will also be able to see the many town beds and planters, maintained by Keeping Duns Blooming Marvellous. These are clearly marked on the Route Map.
Tickets and Route Maps, showing where open gardens are located, will be available to purchase at the Volunteer Hall, Langtongate, Duns TD11 3AF, from 12 noon on the day. Admission is £5.00 per adult, children free. There are toilet facilities at the hall.
Teas/coffees/home baking will be available, all individually priced, at the Volunteer Hall. There will also be a plant sale outside the hall.
Free parking will be available in the Berwickshire Housing Association car park located at 55 Newtown Street, Duns TD11 3AU. A gate leading from the car park will take you through to Langtongate opposite the Volunteer Hall.
Why not make a day of it by bringing the whole family along – even those who may not be interested in gardening – as Duns has so much to offer, including:-
· The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, in Newtown Street, is a must for all motorsport fans. Here, you can discover the incredible story of Jim Clark’s life and racing career.
· Duns Castle Estate with its many paths offering beautiful walks. The Nature Reserve comprises the Heron Pool (aka Hen Poo) with its many ducks, swans and a multitude of bird species and Mill Dam, created by the Hay family in the 18th century.
· Duns Park is a great space for children to play in or ride their bikes/scooters. It also houses a war memorial dedicated to Polish soldiers, a bronze bust of the philosopher John Duns Scotus and the War Memorial in the form of an obelisk. There is also a large flower/shrub bed which is maintained by Keeping Duns Blooming Marvellous.
For those wishing to have some lunch/snack/refreshments on the day, there will be a number of cafes, bistros and hotels open near to and in the Market Square.
All proceeds from the day will go to support both local charities/organisations and also those supported by Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
60% of funds raised will go to local charities/organisations:-
· A Heart for Duns, a charity originally formed to turn the Volunteer Hall into a vibrant social facility to serve the community with various events including markets, dances, theatre, film etc. It brings people together from throughout the community supporting inclusion and wellbeing.
· Duns Community Nursery After a nursery was shut down, the Duns community in the Scottish Borders put a call to arms out to set up a community lead, not for profit nursery for their children. The response was an incredible rally cry from parents and nursery workers alike, with just a four month lead time to make something incredible happen, we opened our doors on April 3rd to the smiling faces of many local children.
· Berwickshire Riding for Disabled Our aim is to provide a beneficial riding experience to people of all ages and abilities. During a lesson, riders and vaulters learn to work in teams and to co-operate with the horses and helpers. Weekly sessions help to increase self-esteem and build confidence. An average year sees about 45 people of all ages and disabilities ride and vault with the Group, helped by 5 horses and 40 volunteers. The Group receives no statutory funding and relies solely on fund raising and donations to maintain the horses, building and equipment. We are very grateful for all support financial or otherwise to help keep the Group operating.
40% of funds raised will go to support Scotland’s Gardens Scheme’s charities:-
· Maggie’s – a cancer support charity with centres across Scotland.
· The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland – helping to bring health, care and compassion into people’s homes.
· Perennial – helps people in horticulture who look after our gardens, parks, sports grounds, woodlands and other green spaces.
Please come along and help support all of the above deserving charities whilst enjoying visiting a variety of gardens and spending time in our beautiful town. We’re sure it will be a wonderful day out for the whole family.
