TWO gardens which are rarely seen by the public are set to open their gates to Peeblesshire residents.

The Tennant family of Glen House in Innerleithen is opening up the lawns and terraces for locals to bring a picnic on Sunday (May 28).

Forty per cent of the £5 entry free will go to support The Conservation Foundation, a charity that works with prisons, community groups and individuals to help the environment.

The Stobo Japanese Water Garden will also open on Wednesday and Thursday next week (May 31 and June 1) from 3pm to 7.30pm.

A Blooming Great Tea Party, organised by the Marie Curie charity will be held in the garden on Wednesday, and on Thursday, Manor and Lyne Church will serve homemade teas to visitors.

An exhibition of pictures and ceramics by Mooie Scott will be held in the Tea Room.

The artist, who likes to work outside, uses the water of the river Tweed and its surrounding topology as inspiration for new pictures.
There will also be a plant stall from Damhead Nursery.

A spokesperson from Stobo Japanese Water Garden said: “This is a rare chance to see this private garden in the evening light – often the most magical time of day with wonderful shadows and the scene of yellow Azaleas. 

“Situated in a tranquil glade, well protected against adverse weather conditions, this garden should not disappoint.”

All the details about these gardens and others are available at www.scotlandsgardens.org