Dawyck Botanic Gardens.
These are in the grounds of Old Dawyck House, seat of the Veitches. The ruins of Dawyck church are at the top end of gardens. The gardens have been well known since the beginning of the 18th century; and are now the arboretum of the national Botanic Gardens.
Dawyck has a history of planting that goes back over 300 years, and as a result is a unique collection. The first Horse Chestnuts in Scotland were planted here in 1650 and the first larches in 1725. There are exotic conifers dating back to 1680, a fastigate (conical) beech named the Dawyck Beech, and some of the tallest trees in Britain.
There is a way-marked trail, highliting the trees brought back by David Douglas, the great plant hunter. (after whom the Douglas Fir was named.) There is also a rare plants trail, a rhododendron walk and a cryptogamic area for non-flowering plants.
The snowdrop display starts the season off in February. They are followed by drifts of daffodils and then in May by Bluebells.
The Blue Himalayan Poppies,another feature, are also are out at this time.
The autumn colours are superb, not only because of the variety of trees but because it is reasonable high the frosts arrive earlier.