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NTS Documentary Reference Event

Date February 2013 - February 2013

Event ID 933951

Category Documentary Reference

Type Reference

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/933951

Extending to 0.76 hectares Priorwood Garden consists of four distinct areas: a dried flower garden, orchard, woodland and small nursery and working area. The garden is bound by walls on three sides, with a mix of woodland and hedge on the fourth side.

The walls were built in the late 18th century and are of rubble with flagged cope. Part of the wall along Abbey Street is stepped with large semi-circular scallops containing 20th century wrought-iron work, probably designed by Edwin Lutyens.

The garden is the key feature of Priorwood, and the dried flower garden is one of the most important features within it. It is recognised as of national importance in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland as the first garden in Scotland to be devoted entirely to the cultivation of flowers for drying and preservation.

Priorwood Garden lies within the Scheduled Ancient Monument area of Melrose Abbey and the land was once part of the Abbey estate.

The flower garden includes a central herbaceous border, herb garden, cottage garden linked to the cottage, mix shrub borders, grass border, heather bed, half-hardy, annual and biennial beds; the layout still reflects the original design by Iris Strachan in 1976 commissioned by Lady Bettina Thomson.

The dried flower collection provides Priorwood with additional interest and a unique identity. The garden provides a rare insight into both traditional and modern techniques in the growing and preparation of everlasting plants; all plants grown at Priorwood are used and experimented upon in this way

The Orchard has considerable historical significance for its apple walk (but also grows other top fruit such as pears, plums, mulberries, medlars) displaying varieties grown in Britain from Roman times to the present day, with many individual trees over 120 years old. The Orchard provides the best views of Melrose Abbey and contains a range of commemorative statues, benches and trees.

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