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Former Moray manse Glebe House to open up walled garden to boost RAF Benevolent Fund as part of Scotland's Gardens Scheme


By Lorna Thompson

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THE walled garden of a former Moray manse will open to the public for Scotland's Gardens Scheme this weekend.

The gates of Glebe House, at Urquhart, will open on Sunday, July 18, as part of the nationwide scheme to raise money for hundreds of charities by offering the chance to wander in and enjoy some of the country's most beautiful gardens.

The Glebe House opening will benefit the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Green-fingered Melanie Collett has owned Glebe House for three years and in that time the garden has flourished through her hard work and dedication.

The early 19th-century formal walled garden, designed by Alexander Forteath, incorporates a unique doocot made of clay dab.

Visitors will be able to take in its colourful herbaceous borders, box hedge symmetry, a selection of roses, its orchard and kitchen garden.

Melanie said: "We inherited a wonderful garden from the previous owners and have really focused on enhancing its beauty.

"We have planted a considerable number of David Austin roses, lilies and replanted a hot border to introduce new colours.

"The beautiful symmetry of the garden has been enhanced with a number of standard roses and a lavender border.

"We have also installed a beautiful 18c fountain, which is my joy given the garden really lacked a water feature. I have also planted two cut flower beds this year, so I am working on my flower arranging.

"I hope many people will also enjoy sharing the garden's many wonderful aspects when it is open to the public."

The early 19th-century formal walled garden at Glebe House, Urquhart.
The early 19th-century formal walled garden at Glebe House, Urquhart.
The fountain at Glebe House, Urquhart, is owner Melanie Collett's joy.
The fountain at Glebe House, Urquhart, is owner Melanie Collett's joy.
Visitors can take in the colourful borders and box hedge symmetry at Glebe House, Urquhart, this Sunday.
Visitors can take in the colourful borders and box hedge symmetry at Glebe House, Urquhart, this Sunday.

Melanie's family has a long connection with horticulture.

Her great-grandfather, William Graham, was vice-president of Dunfermline Horticultural Society for 22 years until 1947, known in the area and beyond as a judge at the various shows and garden competitions. He worked as superintendent of Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline, from the 1920s until his retirement.

Her grandparents, Donald and Jenny Morrison, were heavily involved in Moray's horticultural scene for many years after moving to New Elgin in the 1950s.

Donald showed his prize dalius, chrysanthemums and gladiolis locally. Jenny won many awards for her flower arrangements using Donald's prize blooms. Their daughter, Helen, Melanie's mum, went on to enter exhibits at various shows in miniature gardening and flower arranging.

Melanie's parents, Barrie and Helen Chown, also became owners of a walled garden on moving to Springlands, on Elgin's Institution Road, in the late 1970s when Barrie was posted to RAF Lossiemouth. Donald helped them landscape their garden which grew to become their pride and joy.

Melanie chose to support the RAF Benevolent Fund, which supported her to attend Gordonstoun School after her dad was involved in an aircraft accident in the late 1960s.

The garden will open between 2-4.30pm on Sunday. Admission costs £5 for adults and is free for children.

Details of the garden at Glebe House can be found on the Scotland's Gardens Scheme website here.


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