INSPIRATION from foreign shores is at the heart of two gardens as Haddington gears up for a second attempt at a national competition.

Blooming Haddington was formed in 2013 and entered Keep Scotland Beautiful for the first time last year.

The group, made up entirely of volunteers from throughout the town, won a Silver Gilt medal and was awarded Best Newcomer in the medium town category.

Now, members are aiming to build on that success.

One of the areas which has received attention is the ‘Oriental Garden’ at Mill Wynd, near the town’s squash courts.

Joe Forte, Blooming Haddington chairman, praised the efforts of Rab Moran and Ron Pearman, who have renovated and improved the appearance of what was a neglected space.

He said: “We were really encouraged by the success at last year’s event.

“It’s really invigorated us to take up some new challenges this year and the work Rab and Ron have done is fantastic.

“Come the summer, when it is in full bloom, it will be a real achievement.” That is not the only area of the town which is being brightened up, though.

East Lothian Council is already planning a revamp of a section of land on West Road, beside the junction with Hospital Road.

At the heart of it is going to be a special tree.

Mr Forte added: “This is the 50th year of [Haddington] being twinned with Aubigny-sur-nere.

“We wanted to do something to commemorate that anniversary and we will be having an official tree planting ceremony in August, when our guests from Aubigny come to visit Haddington.

“Andrew Hogarth, area amenity officer, and Mike Foy, tree officer, have used Google Earth to look at Aubigny-sur-nere town centre and zoomed in on a town centre square and managed to highlight one of the nice trees.

“They have identified it as an Indian Bean tree and we are going to plant it in August.” Meanwhile, the group is holding an awareness and fundraising day in the Corn Exchange on May 9.

Members of the public can find out more about the group and also sample home-baking between 10am and 1pm.

Finally, donations of plants or garden tools are also welcome to help raise funds and can be handed into Joe Forte Sports, Fabrication or The Malt Kiln.