Edinburgh is blessed with mature green spaces, parks, gardens and alleys, and as the summertime is less than a month away, they promise to gain popularity.
Of course, there are such famous green spots as the Royal Botanic Garden, the Meadows and the Princes Street Gardens, but that is not the complete list of beautiful green areas Edinburgh offers.
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As the weekend weather forecast for Edinburgh has been surprisingly optimistic, Edinburgh Live brings you a list of some of the capital's lesser-known gardens.
Dunbars Close Garden
This lovely little garden with a secluded and tranquil atmosphere is located just off the always busy Royal Mile and yet is so well hidden that you could miss it easily.
Dunbars Close Garden is formed of several zones that are linked by narrow paths dodging between the vast greenery. Here, you can take a break from the hustle and noises of the Old Town and take some time to marvel at the plants and flowers.
To access this "pocket garden", walk through the Dunbar's Close on the left-hand side of the Royal Mile - if walking down to the Holyrood Palace - which is right after the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe.
Saughton Park & Gardens
This park on the banks of Water of Leith features a children's playground, a skate park and an extensive flowers garden, which is proven to be quite a spectacle when in full bloom.
The well-maintained rose garden is also home to several exciting sculptures and a little rotunda shelter.
There is also a bistro cafe on the site in case you fancy a drink or a stack when enjoying the outdoors.
Secret Herb Garden
If you fancy a more eventful day in a park and are happy to travel a bit further to the city's outskirts, this unique garden would be the perfect fit.
Promising visitors to open the door to the magic of nature, the place is full of surprises, as you will see for yourself when discovering a living room furniture set in the middle of a green plot and a couple of cars overtaken by the plants.
The garden's glasshouse cafe serves fresh food and drinks prepared using herbs grown on-site, and there is also a secret gin distillery that is happy to welcome visitors for a tasting.
For a side note, this place is also a tremendous improvised photoshoot opportunity, given the care and thought the owners put into designing it.
Dr Neil's Garden
This beauty spot is located on the opposite side of the vast Holyrood Park, featuring an atmospheric Duddingston Kirk and overlooking peaceful Duddingston Loch.
A number of calves and geese live in the park, filling the place with life and creating a pleasant wildlife experience for the visitors. This little green space is loaded with lovely gems that you will discover while wandering around - there is a metal bridge, a fountain and several stone sculpture sets.
