Ettrickhaugh residents open their private gardens for a day

When Ettrickhaugh Road resident Pamela Douglas came up with the idea of opening up her garden for a charity day, she had no idea how much it would grow.
Eileen Magee, Vi Romanis and Pamela Douglas in Pamela's garden in Ettrickhaugh RoadEileen Magee, Vi Romanis and Pamela Douglas in Pamela's garden in Ettrickhaugh Road
Eileen Magee, Vi Romanis and Pamela Douglas in Pamela's garden in Ettrickhaugh Road

Now, most of the houses in her street have agreed to open up their pockets of heaven next Sunday, August 5 – as well as those of nearby Leslie Cottage, Ravensheugh Gardens and the allotments across the road in Bannerfield.

Pamela said: “I thought it would be nice for people to see how the new flood wall at the back of the gardens has changed things, and I thought it would be a good fundraiser.

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“And as I am president of the Galashiels Inner Wheel, I thought I would ask the ladies to lend a hand on the day.

“It is fantastic that so many people are opening up their gardens, there are some little gems up this road which you normally wouldn’t be able to see.

“And the gardens at Leslie Cottage and Ravensheugh are quite stunning.

“I was really pleased when the allotments group said they would join in too, as it shows another side to it.

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“I was also hoping that some people from Hawick would come along, so they see that the flood protection would not ruin their garden space ... if anything, we have gained from it.”

Anyone wanting to take a peek at the gardens need to first head to the cricket club on Ettrickhaugh Road to buy tickets (£5 adult, £12 for a family ticket for two adults and two children). They will then be given sticky badges to wear and a map of all the participating homes.

Also included in the ticket price are tea or coffee and strawberries and cream.

George Inglis will be providing entertainment on the day at the cricket club, as well, where there is free parking available.

All proceeds are going to Cancer Research UK.

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