Malleny Garden

Malleny House (Not Open to the Public: The Garden is to the Right of the House)

The tranquil oasis of Malleny Garden lies only a few miles from the edge of Edinburgh, but feels as if it is in a different world. It is found in Balerno, on the A70, three miles south west of the Edinburgh bypass. The garden is well signposted once you reach Balerno.

General View of the Garden Sundial Fountain Urn

Malleny House itself is NOT open to the public, but its presence provides an excellent backdrop to the three acre walled garden which is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. Garden opening times an admission prices are set out on the right.

The house and garden are separated from the centre of Balerno by a stream that helps preserve its distinct identity. Access is via a drive that leads round past the rugby club and eventually brings you to a parking area amid woodland. From here you walk to the unassuming wooden door in the wall of the garden.

The centre of the garden is dominated by the Four Apostles, four beautifully manicured yew trees. They are four hundred years old, and the last survivors of what were originally known as the Twelve Apostles. Elsewhere there are excellent herbaceous borders; a significant collection of old roses; and vegetable and herb areas. And Malleny Garden is also home to the Scottish National Bonsai Collection.

Greenhouse

Grapes

The garden comes complete with with a pair of Victorian greenhouses in which vines are cultivated: providing a superb display of grapes if you catch them at the right time of year. There are plenty of secluded seating spots to help you enjoy the peace of Malleny Garden. Near the house you'll also find a doocot (dovecote) with 915 nesting holes and an unusual saddle-backed roof.

Malleny House was built in 1637 by Sir James Murray of Kilbaberton, though additions were made in 1813. The house and garden were presented to the NTS with an endowment by the late Mrs Gore-Browne Henderson in 1968.

The Four Apostles