THROUGHOUT East Lothian we can find some stunning ancient woodlands and walled gardens – so it should come as no surprise to learn that one of the earliest friendly societies in Scotland originated at the heart of the county, as keen gardeners united to share their secrets.

The earliest recorded minutes of the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners of East Lothian date back to 1676, and set out the roles of the new fraternity.

Set up in Haddington, the first members were not gardeners by profession but small landowners and farmers who practised gardening for pleasure.

The Haddington Lodge had a list of rules for members which included the imposition of fines for cursing, swearing or ‘back byting’ and speaking evil of their brethren.

They had to pledge not to steal each other’s gardeners – yes, gardeners – and to share openly every secret they kept on gardening.

Keeping a secret could cost a member a hefty fine.

The lodge had its box, which was effectively the bank in which all payments and fines were made and kept. Each member admitted had to pay their way with fees of five shillings to the box for labouring gardeners and 10 shillings from every gentleman.

Each member also had to pay threepence for their dinner, whether they attended the meeting or not.

The brethren were expected to allow fellow members access to their gardens when they were home, and meet any request for a cutting.

However, it became concerned about people joining to gain access to their secrets and then leaving once armed with information – particularly, for reasons not clear, people in the late 30s!

In the early 18th century, the society added a new rule which stated: “Many have entered into this fraternity upon no other design than selfish views, which when they have obtained, desert the meetings, which is contrair to the Articles of the Fraternity.

“Therefore it is hereby enacted that all above 36 years are excluded.”

Originally the society met at various members’ homes but in the late 18th century they scraped together £105 to buy the house at Kilpaurs, Haddington.

Described as a tenement building, they used the upper rooms for meetings and let out the rest.

It is known nowadays as the Gardeners Arms pub, on Haddington’s Kilpair Street, where the ancient order’s insignia can be clearly seen on the side of the building.

It was recorded that one of the rooms was let to the old town piper James Livingstone, who was elderly and frail and given tenancy for life.

Mr Livingstone was said to have been at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745 and led the members of the society as they paraded to their annual meeting each year.

He died in 1788 at the age of 80.

The society held a number of events over the years, introducing flower shows and festivals which ranged in names and purpose.

The Voluntary Festival, for example, has no recorded reason behind it, while the hare pie feast, held the Tuesday before Christmas, is self-explanatory.

The Order of Free Gardeners continues to exist around the world.