At this time of year we love driving just a bit further than normal on our day trips, especially when the weather is fine. So what better than a trip to the Borders, exploring ruins, gardens and Mainstreet Trading in St Boswells - a fantastic combination of books, deli and homewares.
The pretty town of Melrose was bustling with visitors as we explored the ruined 12th century abbey. Some safety work was being carried out - but not, as we overheard some American tourists speculating, a complete rebuild to make it ‘Good as new’.
The garden around the edge of the abbey grounds was colourful.
Overlooked by the abbey, and in its ancient precinct, is Priorwood Garden, an intriguing combination of flowers brown for drying and an old orchard where dozens of heritage apple varieties are grown organically.
Our final stop was Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford where the walled garden was looking very beautiful.
After an early evening meal in St Boswells we took the easy drive south along the A7 and M6 - and it was still light when we arrived home!