Redhall Walled Garden - a haven of peace

"I go to nature to be healed and soothed and to have my senses put in order" - John Burroughs

Spent the afternoon with a friend at Redhall Walled Garden in the Colinton area of Edinburgh, a completely hidden garden

accessed off one of the main roads into the city. It is an area of some 6 acres running alongside the water of Leith and what strikes you most is the sense of peace and quiet .

It is a special place where the Scottish Association for Mental Health run courses in horticulture for people who have suffered or are suffering from mental health problems. We met many people working away in the garden today and the range of flowers and vegetables, especially the tomatoes ( sorry, we pinched one!) were very impressive.

People who come to work in the garden have often been in hospital or on large doses of medication which has not always been successful and I find it really interesting that the soothing atmosphere of working in a garden is now being considered a credible alternative treatment with visible results.