Mercat Cottage Garden in Pencaitland is the only Scottish garden to make it to the final six of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine’s Garden of the Year competition.
The judges will choose one overall winner, and members of the public can vote for the People’s Choice award until December 18.
Owner Sheila Averbuch, originally from the US and now living in Pencaitland, started work on the garden in 2003 when the space was empty.
Despite being just 150 square metres, the garden is now filled with ornamental and edible plants, including rambling and climbing roses, peach, pear, plum and apple trees.
Gardeners’ World Magazine described the garden as a “productive and ornamental garden” that combines seasonal climbers, several varieties of espaliered fruit, a rose arch and raised beds of edibles and herbs.
It also features a ‘Massachusetts corner’, inspired by Mrs Averbuch’s home state, with a wall fountain and blueberries.
Mrs Averbuch previously opened her garden to the public once a year as part of Scotland’s Garden Scheme, which facilitates open days to help people raise money for a cause of their choice.
The People’s Choice winner of Garden of the Year will win a seven-night holiday for up to six people worth £3,000 at Riverside Cabins in Shropshire.
Mrs Averbuch said: “I never thought our tiny cottage garden would be in the running for such an honour.
“I was so thrilled to get the news.
“We’re up against another five stunning gardens across the UK for the People’s Choice Award, but we’d love to see a Scottish garden win this.”
To vote for the People’s Choice award, visit the Gardeners’ World website.
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