Kailzie Gardens
Occupying a beautiful position on the River Tweed, Kailzie Gardens are surrounded by magnificent hills, and planted with a wide variety of mature specimen trees. Within the walled garden are greenhouses, herbaceous borders, many unusual species of shrubs, laburnum arches and an enchanting rose garden. 15 acres of wild garden features woodland and burnside walks.
An old Larch planted in 1725 is considered by some arboriculturists to be the oldest Larch in Scotland.
Burnside Walk Old pathways indicate that this was part of the garden of the old house. In recent years, the woodland area has been opened up to encourage the growth of spring bulbs. Beside the green arched bridge, Primula Pulverulenta have been planted, the trees and shrubs on the bank provide spring and autumn colour. Groups of Bamboos, Astilbes and Cornus Alba - the Red-barked Dogwood - line the side of the burn.
The Majors Walk named after Major Shennan, a family friend who helped Lady Buchan-Hepburn in the early days is planted with Primulas, Meconopsis and Rhododendrons. Smaller trees as Laburnums and Rowans line the path which leads to the Duck Pond. From here, there are spectacular views over the park to the River Tweed and the Leithen hills beyond.
The Greenhouses The centre of the greenhouse is filled in the spring with the heavy scent of an old Wisteria. Many different greenhouse plants are grown: Geraniums, Begonias, Schizanthus, Pelagoniums, Fuschias and other interesting conservatory plants.
Wild Birds - Ospreys. These fish-eating birds of prey, disappeared from Scottish lochs nearly 100 years ago. Ospreys are now well re-established in the Tweed Valley Forest Park - and in 2005 an incredibly rare total of 4 chicks was born to one of the breeding pairs.
TV cameras are focused on the nest which is 30 metres above the forest floor! See and hear them close up - you can follow their progress from hatching in early June to leaving for Africa at the end of August.