With there being renewed hope that restrictions around travel could be lessened in Scotland this summer, day trips, weekends away and staycations are now firmly on our minds.
A recent study in the US found that exposure to flowers can boost mental health, and with us all having spent a full winter indoors, the chance to get out and reconnect with nature should be top of our plans.
A visit to parks and gardens will definitely improve your mood this summer, and to help, a study by Direct2Florist has picked out the 'Most Instagrammable Gardens in Scotland', meaning you'll have plenty of opportunity to capture a great picture or two along the way.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh
This world-famous botanic garden in the capital has a history dating back 350 years, spanning over 70 acres, it has over 100,000 plants and plenty of opportunities to grab some incredible photographs.
Guests can enjoy the spectacular glasshouses (though it may be worth double-checking they are open during the restrictions), a Rock Garden, Arboretum, and a Scottish Native Plants Collection.
Inverewe Garden and Estate, Highlands
One of the most unique gardens in Scotland, largely thanks to the effects of the Gulf Stream, exotic plants from around the world not only grow here but actively thrive.
Check out the Global Garden trail or marvel at the insect-eating plants who make their home in the Savage Garden.
Cambo Estate, Fife
Thanks to its sunny location close to the coast, the Cambo Estate gardens are always a pleasant place to while away an afternoon.
Check out Cambo’s stunning Georgian walled garden, which dates back to the 1800s and offers the vibrant colours of the historic rose collection which takes centre stage in the summer.
Benmore Botanic Garden, Argyll
Set within the breath-taking scenery of Argyll, the Benmore Botanic Garden also boasts one of the best entrances around with its impressive avenue of Giant Redwoods, mighty trees which were first planted in 1863 and stand over 50 metres high.
Benmore also offers a restored Victorian fernery, with over 70 species of fern, and even a Monkey Puzzle forest.
Gordon Castle Walled Garden, Fochabers
Situated close to Scotland's most productive whisky-making region, Speyside, Gordon Castle Walled Garden is a spectacular day out for anyone with eight acres of beautiful gardens to enjoy.
One of the oldest and largest kitchen gardens in the UK, you can even take home some of the produce grown there, and for those feeling a little thirsty, there's always the Garden's very own branded gin to enjoy too.
