Saughton Park orchards lie within and outwith the walled garden. We grow mainly apples with a lot of Scottish Heritage varieties but we also grow pear, fig, peach, plum, greengage, quince, mulberry, medlar and cherry. Small fruit bushes such as bramble, raspberry, gooseberry, black, blackcurrants and blueberries. Some varieties have amazing stories associated with them like James Grieve, which is the Edinburgh Apple, and Boody Ploughman whose story is gruesome.

The fruit trees along the northern wall of the rose garden and around the Caley demonstration garden are all trained in various forms including cordons, espaliers, and fans. This orchard was established in 2018.










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Outside the walled garden alongside the Water of Leith is the »Wild Orchard » where we grow fruits trees, fruit bushes, have a pond and allow wildflowers to grow. This area is managed throughout the year but during the summer the only signs may be the mown paths. This orchard was established in 2020.
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https://youtu.be/-01gebSkNNs?feature=shared
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The orchards were all planted and are managed by the Orchard Group of the Friends with help along the way from The Orchard Project, Watergems and the City of Edinburgh Council.
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The activities of the group include, on a regular basis : winter and summer pruning, mulching, weeding, planting, the annual blossom picnic and the Apple day (held in conjunction with The Caley). We’ve also produced a recipe book full of recipes based on what we are growing and the recipes were all submitted by park friends.
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All are welcome to help us maintain the orchards and no experience is required.
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We also, on occasion, run training days and these have included courses on grafting, tool maintenance and pests and diseases.
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If you want to get involved and find out more send us an email to friendsofsaughtonpark@gmail.com and we will add you to the orchard mailing list.
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People who have helped and continue to help us – thank you
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The Orchard Project 
Dry Stone Wall Association 
Watergems 
Scotia Seeds 
Water of Leith Conservation Trust 
National Trust of Scotland 
The Caley 

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