Priorwood Garden

Priorwood Garden lies within the old precinct of Melrose Abbey, a walled garden beside the abbey itself where the National Trust for Scotland grew flowers for drying for decades, the only garden in Scotland devoted to it, and is now bringing that tradition back among annual and perennial borders that peak in high summer. The old orchard grows more than 70 heritage apple varieties organically, some tracing the fruit's history back to Roman times, with picnic tables among the trees, a bronze dove by David Annand and views to the abbey framed by the wall, and an Apple Day in October brings juice pressing and tastings. Reviewers say it is small and quiet, best from late spring, and love the willow sculptures and the honesty box for plants. Tips from visitors: entry is free with a donation box, dogs are welcome on leads, there is no cafe but public toilets stand next door, and a pay and display car park is across the road.