Duddingston Kirk, Old Church Lane, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH15 3PX 0131 661 4240 email: jamesapjack@aol.com
The Background
Dr Neil's Garden is one of the most remarkable gardens in Scotland today. Lying next to the church, where the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat meet Duddingston Loch, this secluded garden is the result of the imagination, dedication and sheer hard work of Drs. Andrew and Nancy Neil. In 1965 the doctors, whose medical practice was nearby, had the idea of creating a garden on what was effectively a piece of waste ground. The site was exceptionally daunting, being very steep with rocky outcrops, with no vehicular access and no services. The Neils' enthusiasm, horticultural expertise and prodigious physical labour has transformed the site into the astonishing series of colourful terraces we see today. Hedges and changes of level keep each part distinct, and largely secluded, from the next.
The planting is mostly conifers, heathers and alpines, with primulas (including the rare Pubescens), magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas and many other shrubs. In 1991, Drs Andrew and Nancy Neil were awarded the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother Medal by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.
In one corner of the garden is the Curling Tower, designed by Playfair, and built in 1825 for the Duddingston Curling Society to store its stones. The society was a very prestigious organisation in its day, claiming to have produced the first set of rules for the game to be used nationally and internationally.
The building is also known as Thomson's Tower because the upper room was used as a painting studio by the celebrated landscapist Rev. John Thomson, who was minister of Duddingston from 1805 until his death in 1840.
In 1997 the Dr Neil's Garden Trust was formed to secure the future of the garden. It is hoped that sufficient funds can be raised to ensure both the day-to-day maintenance and the continued development of the garden into the future.
The Drs. Neil have always been very generous in opening the garden to the public in aid of charity and it is hoped that with sufficient funding this custom can be continued.
Here are some photographs of the Garden to inspire you to come and visit.
Dr Neil's Garden is one of the most remarkable gardens in Scotland today. Lying next to the church, where the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat meet Duddingston Loch, this secluded garden is the result of the imagination, dedication and sheer hard work of Drs. Andrew and Nancy Neil. In 1965 the doctors, whose medical practice was nearby, had the idea of creating a garden on what was effectively a piece of waste ground. The site was exceptionally daunting, being very steep with rocky outcrops, with no vehicular access and no services. The Neils' enthusiasm, horticultural expertise and prodigious physical labour has transformed the site into the astonishing series of colourful terraces we see today. Hedges and changes of level keep each part distinct, and largely secluded, from the next.
The planting is mostly conifers, heathers and alpines, with primulas (including the rare Pubescens), magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas and many other shrubs. In 1991, Drs Andrew and Nancy Neil were awarded the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother Medal by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.
In one corner of the garden is the Curling Tower, designed by Playfair, and built in 1825 for the Duddingston Curling Society to store its stones. The society was a very prestigious organisation in its day, claiming to have produced the first set of rules for the game to be used nationally and internationally.
The building is also known as Thomson's Tower because the upper room was used as a painting studio by the celebrated landscapist Rev. John Thomson, who was minister of Duddingston from 1805 until his death in 1840.
In 1997 the Dr Neil's Garden Trust was formed to secure the future of the garden. It is hoped that sufficient funds can be raised to ensure both the day-
The Drs. Neil have always been very generous in opening the garden to the public in aid of charity and it is hoped that with sufficient funding this custom can be continued.
Here are some photographs of the Garden to inspire you to come and visit.
The Garden looking towards the Loch
Looking towards the Kirk
The pond and surrounding foliage.
