Christmas with family, special times with special people

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I've now finished giving our website it's annual full update. All the plant lists have been updated, links tested, changes made to information, updated photos and so on. There will be lots more plants added in spring once we know what else will be in stock and same goes for the nursery shop page. If you see any typos or broken links please let me know, with nearly 40 pages to read, update and check its easy to miss something.

Now onto the next winter admin job - events for 2025!


The marigolds have made it out to the dolls house gardens today, where the gardener will keep an eye on them. I also found a place for the gorgeous tea set I was gifted on Saturday night from Andrew and Linda, its perfect in the drawing room.






Today I spent a blustery damp day in the house putting all my foraged bits and pieces together to make my two door wreaths and some decorations for the house. The citrus decoration I’ve been making for so many years, the smell of cloves and citrus fill the house together with all the memories of Christmases past and loved ones no longer with us but never forgotten.

Back door wreath


Front door wreath


















A walk on North Berwick beach last week

A morning well spent today getting the new tunnel path finished ❤️ looked much better after washing all the mud off 😆 huge thanks to David for all his help and I think Maisie approved too 👍



Looks much better after a hose down!

December – Christmas decorations, scented Viburnum flowers, small dog stuff, making apple jelly, colourful dinners, Christmas tree and framing the painting I bought in Suffolk on holiday to add to my seascape collection in our hall.











Something a bit different....
Inspired by the tales from my antique Border tales books here is the Wicked Laird of Buckholm. The ruins of Buckholm tower lie just off the A7 to the east of Galashiels, once home to the Pringle (of jumper fame) family from the 1500’s. James Pringle was an evil man, living in the latter half of the 1600’s he had a wicked temper, he mistreated his wife and child who eventually fled, leaving him even more wicked. He also had a hatred of Covenanters, who met on the moors in the borders. A father and son named Geordie and William Elliot one day had the terrible misfortune to be caught by the laird and the government troups he was riding with. At the behest of the captain of the troups the two captives were locked up in Buckholm Tower to await questioning by the Captain.
Drinking cup after cup of brandy the Laird’s anger and temper only got worse until he took it upon himself to head down to the dungeon and deal with the prisoners himself. The servants he pushed past knew there would be no good outcome that evening. Eventually after bloodcurling screams the laird emerged with a triumphant smile on his face, looking the door behind him.
In the morning an old woman arrived at the tower door, seeking her husband and son. The wicked laird led Old Isabel to the dungeon and opened the door for her and ushered her in. The screams from the old woman could be heard all over the castle and she beheld her husband and son impaled on metal spikes, dead. As old Isabel rose from the floor where shed collapsed in anguish she turned to the Laird and she cursed him.
From that day on he claimed he had become accursed, haunted by packs of terrible hounds following him wherever he went. Servants would find him in his study, alerted by his screams, fighting off great dogs that no one else could see. Ghostly dogs would snap at his heels as he ferociously rode his horse back to Buckholm, begging his servants fight off the unseen dogs.
Then, not long afterwards, James Pringle of Buckholm died, in agony. Writhing in pain, the Laird departed this life, mourned by none.
One year later, as is often the case, on the anniversary of Pringle’s death, a ghostly figure was seen running up the winding path to Buckholm Tower, pursued by a glowing pack of hellish hounds. Loud banging noises were heard, as if the Devil himself was banging on the great wooden door of the castle, desperate to enter. Terrifying screams were heard from the castle courtyard but, when the door was opened, there was nobody there.
Every year on the anniversary of his death, terrifying screams have been heard near the tower, ghostly hounds observed in the hills nearby. And, more dreadful again, heavy loud knocks from the now deserted cellar.
It is said that a Minister from Galashiels once performed an exorcism to rid Buckholm from these terrible torments.
Now, however, Buckholm has been left to its ghosts.


A morning in the kitchen as its an important day on the Christmas to do list – mincemeat pie making. Apparently there is not enough! Apple chutney and apple jelly ready for gifting and the Christmas cake marzipaned.









A chilly walk through Hayston and back down the cut this morning, with snow on the hills.






A busy afternoon in the christmas kitchen here in the cottage. Chocolate orange tray bake for christmas eve dinner, christmas tiffin is setting in the fridge and the christmas cake is decorated.








The Quercus team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope you have a relaxing and joyful festive season. Thank you to everyone who has supported Quercus in every way this year, it's very much appreciated.
Wishing you all the best from us all at Quercus and here's to a great 2025 xx


Home made crackers cause I'm fed up spending a fortune for useless "stuff"

Christmas decorations

Presents wrapped
Ham cooked


A very merry Christmas from all of us here in Peebles, A perfect christmas

















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