| Return to main page | Awards and Gifts | Volunteering; Biodiversity | General Information |
The Trust’s Aims
- to maintain the garden and its surroundings for the enjoyment and benefit of the whole community;
- to provide free access to all, including those with disabilities;
- to help people of all ages understand the history and the use of the period planting by means of appropriate interpretative material;
- to help support the biodiversity of the area by growing native trees, shrubs and herbs;
- to provide employment and volunteering opportunities for the community;
- to help to foster a historical perspective.
Garden Events
The garden has been the scene of many public events, most notably in July 2007 when H.M. the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh walked through the garden and met local dignitaries. On previous occasions, the Queen and the late Queen Mother planted fruit trees.
As part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme, the garden was specially prepared and opened on 14th June 2009 and 5th June 2010 with guided tours, plant and craft stalls, and teas.
Scotland's Homecoming opening on 13th September 2009 included a tented display and guided tours. 
The garden is open without charge for individuals and groups to walk around freely. Guided tours of the garden dealing with the history, restoration and planting are available with prior notice; there is a small charge for guided tours.
Recent groups have included the gardening groups of East Lothian U3A, Edinburgh U3A, The Friends of Suntrap Garden and even the Cyclists' Touring Club (but pushing their bikes!).
The garden is suitable for wedding photographs and for workshops. A herb drawing workshop and a sculpture workshop have been held in association with the Peter Potter Gallery and there are plans in March 2011 for a fruit tree workshop for anyone interested in pruning and planting apples and other fruit trees.
Plans are also being made for an autumn Apple Day in the future which will demonstrate the variety of fruit grown in the garden, the garden’s apple juicing equipment and other attractions.
Please note that there are currently no toilet facilities in the garden. But plans are being addressed to provide a garden community centre with a meeting room, plant exhibition space, and a toilet.
Scottish Charity No. SC014078