Dawyck Botanic Garden

A Specialist Garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh located 8 miles from Peebles. The first exotic tree species introduced to Scotland were brought to Dawyck by the Veitch family in the late seventeenth century. Over 300 years of sustained tree planting have made Dawyck one of the finest arboreta in the country. The real foundations of the Garden were laid by the Naesmyth family who acquired the estate in 1691.

Dawyck is dominated by its historic conifers, many of which are outstanding examples of their kind. Champion specimens thrive here, because although the harsh climate engenders slower growth, this leads in time to sturdier, longer-lived specimens. In addition to its wealth of North American species, it boasts famous plantings of unusual Asiatic Chinese trees. Today, contemporary specimens from the Conifer Conservation Programme are further enhancing the Garden. Among the flowering shrubs are original Chinese collections of E.H. Wilson, sent by Sargent from the Arnold Arboretum in America to the more favourable conditions at Dawyck. These included fine Rhododendrons which provide the nucleus of an important collection of hardy species. Other wild-origin reference collections that serve as biological standards for plant research include the rowans and birches, now becoming established beyond the Chapel, and an expanding range of Berberis and Cotoneaster species dispersed around the Garden. Such core collections are complemented by carpets of spring-flowering bulbs, and a range of broadleaves that provide extravagant autumn colour, making Dawyck a delight for the visitor.

The Garden is situated 8 miles south-west of Peebles in Tweeddale, just off the B712, midway between Stobo and Drumelzier. It is open from 1 March to 31 October (9.30am to 6pm) and at other times by arrangement.