Business Details
48 Years
experience
Award-Winning Garden Centre in Edinburgh
New Hopetoun Gardens, established in 1978 by professional gardeners Lesley Watson and Dougal Philip, has evolved into a thriving employee-owned business renowned for its gardening expertise and customer service. With over 40 years of experience, we offer an extensive range of plants, trees, and shrubs tailored to Scotland's unique climate, alongside a well-stocked gift shop and our popular Orangery Tearoom.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our 2-year guarantee on hardy plants and our focus on sourcing 95% of plants from UK growers. As a Living Wage Employer, we prioritise staff welfare and community engagement, ensuring a welcoming environment for both people and rescued cats. Our showcase gardens provide inspiration, while our team delivers expert advice to help customers cultivate successful gardens.
Services
Garden Plants
Gift Shop
Orangery Tearoom
Showcase Gardens
Seasonal Projects
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of gardening expertise in Scottish conditions
- Guaranteed hardy plants with 2-year warranty
- 95% of plants sourced from UK growers
- Employee-owned business prioritising staff welfare
- Living Wage Employer with community-focused values
Associations and certifications
- Living Wage Employer
What people say
Lovely garden centre
Friendly helpful staff
Wonderful gift area
Relaxed atmosphere
Well-stocked nursery
Services
Garden Plants
We offer a vast selection of garden plants including perennials, shrubs, trees, and seasonal flowers suited to Scottish climates. Our plants are garden-tested for performance and include rare varieties alongside common favourites. With 95% of stock grown in the UK, we combine local expertise with national sourcing to ensure quality and adaptability.
Showcase Gardens
Our 18 themed showcase gardens demonstrate practical planting schemes for various conditions. From alpine rockeries to shaded woodland glades, each display includes recommended planting lists and maintenance tips. These inspirational layouts help customers visualise plant combinations and garden design possibilities for their own outdoor spaces.
Orangery Tearoom
The Orangery Tearoom serves freshly baked goods, homemade soups, and light meals daily. Open from 10am to 4:30pm, it offers indoor and terrace seating with views over themed gardens. The menu features locally sourced ingredients including Brodies coffee and seasonal produce from our own plant nursery.
Gift Shop
Our gift section offers gardening tools, decorative ornaments, and unique lifestyle products. Seasonal Christmas displays feature festive decorations and gift ideas. The shop also stocks bird feeders, wildlife-friendly garden accessories, and speciality food items including rapeseed oil and preserves.
Seasonal Projects
We provide expert guidance on seasonal gardening tasks through printed leaflets and themed displays. Services include bulb layering techniques, winter garden lighting, and creating wildlife-friendly spaces. Our 'Purple Piglet' project promotes sustainable gardening practices and meadow creation for biodiversity.
People
Dougal Philip
Co-Founder
Professional gardener with 40+ years' experience, Dougal established New Hopetoun Gardens in 1978. He continues to share his horticultural expertise as part of the employee-owned business structure implemented in 2019.
Lesley Watson
Co-Founder
Renowned horticulturist and former BBC TV presenter, Lesley co-founded the business with Dougal Philip. She brings extensive gardening knowledge and media experience to the team, maintaining an active role in the employee-owned enterprise.
Questions
What are New Hopetoun Gardens' opening hours?
We're open daily from 10am to 5pm. The Orangery Tearoom serves from 10am to 4:30pm.
Do you offer plant guarantees?
Yes, all our hardy plants come with a 2-year guarantee against failure under normal growing conditions.
Can I bring my dog to the garden centre?
Dogs aren't permitted inside due to resident rescue cats, but we provide a dedicated dog parking area near the entrance.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, we offer physical and electronic gift vouchers available for purchase in-store or online.
Are plants grown locally?
95% of our plants are grown in the UK, with preference given to local Scottish nurseries where possible.
Do you have gardening experts on staff?
Our team includes experienced horticulturists who provide free advice on plant selection and garden maintenance.
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