TRUSTEE

My career has been in classical music, but I have always had a keen interest in plants, both for the house and my small garden. Space to grow vegetables was lacking, so finding the walled garden in 2021 was a real bonus. I soon became a keen volunteer.

I have joined in with many group activities and learnt new skills through the sharing of the other volunteers’ knowledge and experience. I have had the pleasure of helping to cultivate communal plots, cut willow, chop apples for apple pressing, as well as doing lots of weeding! Most recently, I have been preparing and planting up a hew herb garden. I also have an individual plot to grow vegetables – my onions last year were a triumph!

The garden has provided friendship, healthy exercise and a welcome calmness. There is something magical about walking through the gate into this other world. I feel privileged to be able to care for this very special place both as a volunteer, and now, as a trustee.

TRUSTEE

I have had an interest in gardening from an early age, when I cultivated a small corner of my parents’ garden. This probably contributed to my interest in biology, which continued throughout my school years and led me to study Botany and Genetics at university. Thereafter, I became side-tracked into the new discipline of Molecular Biology, and came to Edinburgh to do medical research, where I remained until my retirement several years ago.

My interest in gardening persuaded me to acquire an allotment in Edinburgh, which I have had since 1972. Shortly after retirement, I became a volunteer at nearby Amisfield Walled Garden – a position I still hold. In 2016, I joined the pioneering group of volunteers as we started to clear and layout the kitchen garden at Gilmerton. I never cease to be delighted at the challenges this project throws up and the wonderful friends I have made during this process.

TRUSTEE

I grew up on the Gilmerton Estate and can remember the kitchen garden just at the end of its heyday, with pruned fruit trees along the heated walls and wide beds of vegetables.

The greenhouse had a grapevine and was used to grow tomatoes. Sadly, time and neglect caught up with the garden and it was turned into a field for grain crops and then Christmas trees.

It’s so nice to be part of the team bringing new life to the garden so it can be enjoyed by visitors and the volunteers who work hard to rejuvenate this special place.

TRUSTEE

I am fortunate enough to call Gilmerton House home. Growing up, I remember exploring and building dens in what seemed like an endless forest of Christmas trees which filled the walled garden.

It’s great to see the garden back to its original use and I feel very proud to be part of the incredible team of volunteers that is making this happen, all the while, helping people and the environment along the way.

As a complete beginner, it’s brilliant to be surrounded by such a knowledgeable and friendly team who are all more than happy to pass their skills on and share their wisdom.

TRUSTEE

Born and bred in Northern France, I come from a family where gardening is part of the way of life.

Gardening at Gilmerton has allowed me and my wife to become self-sufficient in vegetables all year round. I am still in the process of finding out what works best in this particular environment of a walled garden, and I enjoy experimenting with techniques such as intercropping, successive planting, and grafting. 

Being part of the community of gardeners at Gilmerton is highly enjoyable, not only to learn new skills from each other, but also to realise projects together, and simply to have a cuppa and a chat!

TREASURER

Having been associated with the Gilmerton Estate for over 50 years, I am delighted that the garden is being returned to its former glory and, in the process, is giving help and direction to all the people involved.