THE National Trust for Scotland’s Priorwood Garden in Melrose will mark the onset of autumn with its annual Apple Day this Saturday, October 10.

Harvesting this year’s apple crop has already commenced, so there will be lots of tasty treats to sample, including some lesser-seen apple varieties. Apple juice and cider will also be on offer, as well as samples from over 70 types of apple.

Expert gardeners will also be on hand to help identify the species of apple growing in visitors’ gardens, so those attending are encouraged to bring samples.

There will also be the chance to reserve special Priorwood-grown apple trees to plant at home.

With an enviable setting in the ancient precinct of the magnificent 12th-century Melrose Abbey, this delightfully rustic walled garden covers 0.8 hectares (2 acres) with three distinct areas to explore.

A dried flower workshop gives visitors an overview of the garden’s history and highlights, while also housing Scotland’s only dedicated dried flower garden, with a drying room where you can pick your own blooms to order.

The apple orchard cultivates many historic varieties, conjuring up connections with the garden’s past, when it may have been used as a kitchen garden by Melrose Abbey monks. The latest addition is the woodland area, bringing further biodiversity and a touch of wildness to the garden.

The event runs from 11am until 4pm and entry is £2.