Portmore is a large house a few miles north of Peebles, with a beautiful garden that the owners open to the public for one day every two years through the Scotland’s Gardens Open scheme! I had looked forward for a whole year to seeing Portmore gardens, since visiting Haystoun gardens last summer, and learning that it took year about with Portmore. So the weekend after the Oban visit, Morag, Michael and I were on our way to Portmore, along with crowds of other folk. 
The main part of the garden is in the old walled garden, which has been carefully renovated and laid out by the current owners. The old Victorian glasshouses appeared to be in such a bad state 9 years ago when work began, that they were almost demolished. However it was found that they could be rescued, and today they look wonderful, full of beautiful flowers, like 
fuchsias, 
lilies, and hibiscus,
and fruit – like these figs 
and grapes -
and are complete with restored Victorian grotto.
There’s a knot garden,
an orchard complete with a goddess of plenty, presumably,
a formal garden with arches and urns…….
poles and connecting chains for roses (another with clematis) to climb up and along….
….topiary hedges….
and flowers, beautiful flowers. Here are just a few of the photos I took. I can’t remember all their names, so just look at the pics and enjoy!
There is a fountain and pond too – at the back of the house
and a less formal fish pond
…..
……with croc.
This is the view the south side of the house must get. It’s a beautiful place, and I look forward to coming back in two years time to see what additions Mrs Reid has made. Walks in the woodlands have begun, so more paths around the estate grounds will possibly be developed. I’ll enjoy those.
Talk again soon.
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