THE WOODLANDS & WILD GARDENS

The designed woodlands at Kaizlie was first laid down over 300 years ago and has many champion trees some considered to be the oldest in Scotland, including the famous Kailzie larch planted in 1725 – the oldest in the UK. The diverse collection of trees, both native and exotic, provide year-round interest and beauty to the garden.

There are many attractive paths, including burnside walks. Parts of the woodlands have been planted on a more open plan to encourage seasonal displays of bulbs and shrubs.

Kailzie’s celebrated snowdrops appear in January and signal the garden waking up to the year ahead creating a beautiful carpet of white flowers that is a welcome sight after the grey days of winter

Our snowdrop festival marks one of our major charity events of the year.

One of the key reasons behind Kailzie’s spectacular snowdrop display each year is the height of the gardens which lie at at 700 feet generating deep frosts and cold through the winer months. This encourages the natural process of vernalisation which act as a very powerful trigger to the snowdrops growth and flowering cycle.

As you walk through the woods, you are greeted by a sea of delicate white flowers carpeting the forest floor. The sound of the nearby burn adds to the peaceful ambiance, creating a serene environment.

As our snowdrops leave the stage in early March our next actors are daffodils. The sight of these cheerful flowers is a welcome sign that winter is coming to an end and that spring is just around the corner. Kailzie is blessed with many varieties including trumpets, doubles, tazettas and miniatures. The daffodils range beyond the woodland and wild gardens and more unusual varieties can be found in the walled garden. This is also the time when birdsong erupts at Kailzie! As the days lengthen, birds such as blackbirds, thrushes, robins, and finches begin to sing, marking their territory and attracting mates.

Our next performer emerges in May – rhododendrons with their their stunning displays of colourful blooms in the spring and early summer. Kailzie boasts a large collection and visitors can explore the garden’s extensive network of trails and pathways, which wind through the woodland and lush meadows, showcasing the colorful blooms of the rhododendrons in all their glory.

We also enjoy the arrival of one of our showstoppers our meconopsis sometimes known as the Himalayan blue poppy. The cool temperatures and damp edges along the burnside make an ideal habitat. Meconopsis have delicate, yet vibrant, blue petals that can range from pale baby blue to deep, electric blue.

Autumn at Kailzie is special with colours coming from both traditional Scottish trees and those from further afield including cercidiphyllum with its caramel aroma and our wonderful collection of acers.

Across the woodlands we see the transition of lush green foliage into a brilliant and vibrant display of warm colours.

As you walk along the path, the trees on either side of you come alive with vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds. The birch trees, with their striking white bark, stand out against the surrounding foliage, their leaves turning a bright yellow. The oaks and beeches, with their broad canopies, produce a riot of colors, ranging from deep reds to brilliant oranges and yellows.

The seasonal transition of autumn is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, with each season bringing its own unique beauty and challenges.

The burnside has an adjacent walk planted with primulas, meconopsis and rhododendrons.

Smaller trees such as laburnums and rowans line the path which leads to the Duck Pond. From here, there are spectacular views over the parklands to the River Tweed and the Leithen hills beyond.