Gardens open day to offer a look at private green spaces

Dozens of historic private gardens in the capital are to be opened to the public for the first time.
Organisers of the Edinburgh Parks and Gardens Open Day hope that thousands of visitors will take advantage of the rare opportunity to gain a greater insight into the city's green heritage.

The event is the brainchild of Edinburgh World Heritage and the Cockburn Association, the team behind the popular Doors Open Day in September, during which some of the city's finest hidden architectural gems are on display.
Next month, more than 40 gardens which are usually closed to the public will be put on view instead.

The event will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the management of the capital's historic gardens.
It will also include favourites such as the Royal Botanic Garden and Holyrood Park, as well as council-run parks and gardens.

Last night Caroline Mason, the event's co-ordinator, called for allotment-holders, individual gardeners and owners of gardens of historic interest to join in the event and open their green spaces to the public.

"The celebratory concept for Edinburgh Parks and Gardens Open Day is similar to that of its sister event, Doors Open Day," she said.

"But instead of the public being able to see inside buildings that they are not formally allowed in, they will be able to learn more about the maintenance of parks, how biodiversity is encouraged or the recreational values of horticulture."

Moira Tasker, who was appointed director of the Cockburn Association earlier this month, said: "As a civic trust we seek to raise awareness of the importance of green space for recreation, biodiversity, horticulture and health.

"Many of the city's green spaces have been under development pressures for decades and it is important for us all, as citizens of Edinburgh, to show that we care for and cherish the green lungs of our city.

"We also hope to raise awareness of other voluntary organisations that work tirelessly in the gardens sector."
The event is also being backed by the City of Edinburgh Council, Scottish Enterprise and the developer Mountgrange.

Zoe Clark, director of Edinburgh World Heritagem welcomed the project, and said that each plot of green land across Edinburgh had a story of its own.
"The parks and gardens of Edinburgh are an essential part of the World Heritage Site, but are often overlooked by visitors to the city," she said.

"The hidden gem of Dunbar's Close is an oasis of peace and calm midst the busy Royal Mile and recreates the atmosphere of a 17th-century garden.

"Queen Street Gardens, in the heart of the New Town, are a treasure to explore and famous as a source of inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson.

"We hope that many owners, both public and private, will participate and open their gardens to encourage visitors to appreciate the green spaces on their doorstep."

Edinburgh World Heritage and the Cockburn Association were also in partnership in the organisation of Edinburgh Doors Open Day which attracted a record 70,000 visitors in September 2005.
The Edinburgh Parks and Gardens Open Day will take place on 6 May.