THIS week marks the start of the Scottish Tree Festival, organised by Discover Scottish Gardens.

And from now until the last golden leaf falls to the ground at the end of November, gardens and estates across the country will be holding events to celebrate the richness of the autumn landscape.

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Thanks to its climate, history and links to the pioneering plant hunters, this country has a unique collection of trees that includes not just native species but some of the finest trees to be found anywhere in the world, including many that are endangered in the wild.

Border Telegraph: Floors Castle

Some of the best trees in the country are to be found in the Borders, including at Dawyck Botanic Garden near Peebles, which is where the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh grows its collection of rare and exotic trees that require high altitude conditions.

The garden is at its best when the trees start to change colour and over the coming weeks its canopy will flame into shades of red and orange.

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Meanwhile at Floors Castle in Roxburgh, head gardener Simon McManus will be holding a pruning workshop on Saturday, 4 November, where participants will be able to discover techniques to help them in caring for their own trees.

On Tuesday, 14 November, the gardening team will be leading a guided walk around some of the estate’s most notable trees and, also during the Festival, Floor’s Halloween Guided Trail will offer spooky fun amongst the trees for young visitors.

For more information on these and other beautiful gardens to enjoy during the Scottish Tree Festival, visit www.discoverscottishgardens.org.