Business Details
48 Years
experience
Award-Winning Garden Centre in Edinburgh
New Hopetoun Gardens has been a trusted name in gardening for over 40 years, established in 1978 by professional gardeners Dougal Philip and Lesley Watson. Our transition to an employee-owned business in 2019 reflects our commitment to preserving the values of expertise, quality, and customer service that have defined us since our inception. Situated near Edinburgh, we offer an extensive range of plants, trees, and shrubs specifically selected to thrive in Scotlands climate, alongside expert advice from our knowledgeable team.Our garden centre features a well-stocked gift shop, the Orangery Tearoom serving homemade cakes and light lunches, and 18 themed showcase gardens designed to inspire visitors. Recognised as a Living Wage Employer, we prioritise staff welfare and community investment, ensuring a sustainable future for both our business and customers.
Services
Garden plants
Gift shop
Orangery Tearoom
Gardening advice
Showcase gardens
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of horticultural expertise and local knowledge
- Employee-owned business committed to staff and community
- Extensive plant selection tested for Scottish conditions
- Award-winning garden centre with themed showcase gardens
- Guaranteed hardy plants and expert aftercare advice
Associations and certifications
- Living Wage Foundation
What people say
Lovely gift shop
Expert gardening advice
Relaxing atmosphere
Fresh homemade cakes
Inspiring garden displays
Services
Garden plants
We offer a vast selection of hardy plants, shrubs, and trees specifically chosen for Scotlands climate. Our plants are garden-tested to ensure they thrive in local conditions, with 95% grown in the UK. Expert advice and a two-year guarantee accompany every purchase.
Orangery Tearoom
Our Orangery Tearoom serves homemade cakes, light lunches, and specialty coffees daily from 10am to 4:30pm. Enjoy views of our themed gardens while savouring freshly baked goods and locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.
Showcase gardens
Explore 18 themed showcase gardens featuring alpine rockeries, shaded glades, and productive potager layouts. Each garden includes planting lists and care tips to inspire visitors and demonstrate how plants thrive in real-world settings.
Gardening advice
Our team of experienced gardeners provides tailored advice on plant selection, garden design, and seasonal care. From novice to expert gardeners, we offer free leaflets and practical tips to help customers achieve successful results.
Gift shop
Our gift shop features unique gardening tools, decorative ornaments, and seasonal items. We also stock luxury food products, childrens gifts, and wildlife-friendly accessories, with a special focus on Christmas-themed offerings.
People
Dougal Philip
Founder
Co-founder of New Hopetoun Gardens with over 40 years of horticultural expertise. Former RHS Chelsea Flower Show judge and advocate for sustainable gardening practices.
Lesley Watson
Founder
Co-founder and former presenter of BBCs The Beechgrove Garden. Landscape gardening expert with a passion for plant education and community engagement.
Claire
Gift Shop Manager
Leads our gift shop team, curating unique and high-quality gardening gifts and seasonal items. Committed to providing exceptional customer service and product selection.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We’re open daily from 10am to 5pm. The Orangery Tearoom serves until 4:30pm.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, we offer gardening gift vouchers available for purchase in-store or online.
Are dogs allowed on site?
Dogs are not permitted inside due to rescue cats, but we provide a dedicated dog parking area.
Do you offer gardening advice?
Our expert team provides free gardening advice and aftercare guidance for all plant purchases.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards, contactless payments, and cash for in-store purchases.
Are there dining options available?
The Orangery Tearoom offers cakes, light lunches, and hot drinks daily until 4:30pm.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Harry
Dec 29, 2021
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Huge garden centre with a large plant collection spread out over an interesting outdoor site. Good selection of indoor gifts and items too. Must be one of the biggest garden centres in Scotland.
Gordon Baird
Sep 22, 2021
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Excellent garden centre with lots to choose from, nice cafe too also big on good quality wild bird feeders etc....you could almost do your entire Xmas shopping in the gift area...great farm shop close at hand too
Paul Hayllor
Jul 24, 2021
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This is a real garden centre with bits of everything and a good balance of high end tools and garden items as well as plants and shrubs and interesting gift shop type items. The Orangery Coffee area is wonderful and also has more quirky and interesting gifts as well as serving great coffee and food. The place has a lovely relaxed and chilled atmosphere and there are walks and play areas in the grounds. Very enjoyable just to mooch about, if mooching is your thing
Paul Hicks
Jul 20, 2021
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Amazing place to visit. It is a big garden centre with a farm shop selling locally produced meat and produce, but the mature grounds of the garden centre are landscaped and include some amazing artistic exhibits. Some exhibits can be purchased. Many are built into the landscaping, like the amazing "Yew tree Spirits", the "Reclining woman", and many ideas for water features, faery gardens, statues, arches and walled gardens. The gardening shops are well stocked, and whilst the prices can a little high on some items, the plants are well looked after and it's free to walk round and view the exhibits
