If you’re a northern gardener, the highlight of the year takes place from Friday 29th May to Sunday 31st May, when the grounds of the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh are transformed by an explosion of scent and colour. This is Gardening Scotland – the national gardening and outdoor living Show and Scotland’s gardening festival!
It is the biggest plant fair in Scotland. Promising to provide everything from an abundance of beautiful plants and seeds to tools, equipment, garden furniture and all the inspiration and advice you could need to make your garden grow.
Outside, the Show Garden Avenue will display the work of leading garden designers who this year have been given the challenge of showing what can be done with the sorts of gardens that most people have at home, while both the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society and the RHS will be on hand with expert advice on growing and gardening. My personal favourite is the display of mini Pallet Gardens created by schools and gardening groups who demonstrate that size is no object!
I’m also excited about a new nationwide campaign called ‘Love the Plot You’ve Got’ which is coming to Gardening Scotland. Industry research has revealed that skills and knowledge are no longer handed on from one generation to another. Love the Plot You’ve Got provides advice to help and inspire 30-45 year olds who have access to a garden or outdoor space but don’t know how to make great use of it.
More than 400 exhibitors will be selling tools, furniture, and all sorts of home and garden accessories, other attractions include a Craft Marquee, a Food Fayre and the Albert Bartlett Cookery Theatre. Lest it all sounds a bit grown up, be assured that this is a real family day out. Kids big and small will be able to enjoy outdoor fun in the Big Back Garden, part family area and part eco-plot, with wildlife, crafts, dance and treasure hunts. Gorgie City Farm will be there too, with a few of their residents.
There’s more information on the website,  www.gardeningscotland.com Tickets and packages start from just £13 and are available from the website or by calling 0131 333 0965.  However, Lothian Life has 10 pairs of tickets to give away. Just email us by Thursday 14th May with the dates of the event to be entered into the draw. The 10 winners will receive their tickets, which can be used on any day, by email.
