St Mary’s Pleasance is a heritage walled garden adjacent to the church, covering 0.65hectare. The garden provides a unique green space close to the centre of the town. It was created in the 1970's with the design and plants reflecting the features of a 17th century Scottish garden, as would have been associated with the adjoining Haddington House which dates from 1648. Hedgehog, field mouse, grey squirrel, toad, and many varieties of birds have been recorded. Mallard, wood pigeon, collared dove and several species of smaller birds regularly nest in the garden. To augment the natural habitats, bird and bat boxes have been introduced. The wild flower meadow and the cottage garden attract bees, wasps, butterflies, beetles and other insects. It is a private garden owned by the Haddington Garden Trust, and is managed for the benefit of the community which has access to it all year round.

How to find us

A short walk (200 metres) from Haddington town centre. Haddington is located just off the main road (A1), approximately half way between Edinburgh and Dunbar. There are regular bus services from Edinburgh and Berwick-Upon-Tweed. There is no train station at Haddington.

Location

Highlights

• Pleached Laburnum Allee is the garden’s most spectacular feature in May/June
• Sunken Garden up of box and lavendar
• Cottage Garden with herbaceous borders
• Raised herb beds, restored to culinary, domestic, medicinal and cosmetic themes
• Boxed mount lookout, perfect for children to explore

Guide Booklet

You can download our booklet here.

Volunteering / internships opportunites

There is always scope for volunteers to assist in the garden. We can provide gloves and all the gardening tools you could possibly need, but volunteers should have their own suitable gardening clothes and footwear. The garden is open most days of the year, and on weekdays the gardener is at hand to get volunteers started and to keep an eye on operations. If you would like to support our ongoing restoration and maintenance program with a donation there are many ways that you can do this. More information can be found on our website http://www.haddingtongarden.com/support-us.html

Promotional Themes

• Herbaceous Borders & Plantings
• Rose Gardens
• Autumn Colour
• Bluebell Displays