ONCE a year, Gean House opens its gardens to the public in association with Scotland’s Gardens, a registered charity created in 1931.

The not-for-profit group’s aim is to raise funds for other worthy charities by facilitating the opening of large and small gardens of horticultural interest throughout Scotland to the public.

Hazel Reid from Scotland’s Gardens, said: “This year Gean House will be opening for us on Tuesday 22 July from 1.30pm-4.30pm and it is well worth a visit.” The Garden Open Day offers visitors a great day out to explore beautiful surroundings that normally would be unavailable to them. Entry is £4.00 (children go free).

On sale will be delicious cream teas that can be enjoyed in the garden terrace or in the main house, with all proceeds going to Scottish Society for Autism and Scotland’s Gardens Beneficiaries.

The light-filled modern Garden Room leads out onto the expansive Gean House gardens. As you walk down the stone steps, you make your way onto the formal terraced garden (previously a rose garden) which is now newly planted with a colourful variety of bedding plants.

The surrounding borders have been planted out as if in a cottage garden, and there are a number of unusual varieties of plants to spot. Boxed hedging, climbing roses, lilac trees and hydrangea petiolaris are just some of the delights to be seen in the gardens.

An original stone path takes you on a journey to the wooded garden, planted with magnolias, robinias and Japanese acers, complete with a pond waterfall arrangement, surrounded by shrubbery, small trees and bamboo. This was designed to give a feeling of seclusion and peace, and it certainly delivers that. As you walk along the pathway, it opens up into soft grassy areas with trees that have stood the test of time since 1912. The gardens are totally secluded and add to the feeling of exclusivity that surrounds the house.

At the very end of the garden there is a small cream gazebo, with planters on either side. Take a seat here and enjoy the view back up towards the house. It will take your breath away.

For more information on the Garden Open Day or, holding an event at Gean House call 01259 226400 or email: info@geanhouse.co.uk