Blooming Haddington

Blooming Haddington is a group of volunteers dedicated to making the town a bright and attractive place to live, work and visit.

Formed in 2013, the group has developed an effective partnership with East Lothian Council, businesses, community organisations and individuals who share the Blooming Haddington vision for their town. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are passionate about making sure that the hanging baskets, containers and green spaces the group is responsible for look their best. To bring the community together in 2019, the group organised a wheelbarrow trail and are delighted and proud that this is now an annual event.

In 2022, Blooming Haddington awas awarded the Haddington 700 Discretionary Award for Amisfield Walled Garden: Since 2006, a group of local people have taken on the task of restoring this site from a neglected wilderness into a vibrant community garden. After setting up a charity and obtaining a long-term lease, members began planning its development. The dual aim was to create a garden with year-round interest for visitors, as well as encouraging volunteer gardeners of all ages and abilities to learn a range of horticultural skills.

Under the supervision of a volunteer co-ordinator, the group has cleared overgrown shrubs and trees, laid out footpaths following old maps dating back to 1855, and planted herbaceous borders, orchards which include local, heritage apple trees, vegetable beds, a maze and sensory gardens. There is a modern education building for shelter and teaching space. To extend the season of interest, a winter garden has recently been established, with willow, dogwood, birch and snake bark maples providing ornamental stem colours that contrast with the evergreen ground cover.

In 2019, Blooming Haddington was awarded a Gold medal and won the 'Town' category of the RHS UK Britain in Bloom finals. The group was also presented with the RHS UK Discretionary Award for Gardening in a Changing Climate. Find out more here.