New Years Resolutions - what to visit in 2018?

So we're a little late with our new years resolutions, but we hope you'll forgive us. Our new website went live in the third week of January and our 2018 guidebooks hit the shelves this month too, so it's been a little busy! But hey-ho.

Many different types of gardens open with Scotland's Gardens Scheme, from cottage gardens to wildlife oases. Here are just a few to inspire your new years visit-list.

Snowdrops

First up on the visit list: snowdrops.

Galanthrophiles (snowdrop lovers) will already be excited for the upcoming Scottish Snowdrop Festival. It's great to see the first snowdrops burst through the frosty grass, as it's a heartwarming reminder that spring will soon be here.

So add a snowdrop garden to your 2018 visit list. Wrap up warm, pull on your wellies and dig out your SGS guidebook, there's a splendid snowdrop garden waiting for you.

For a full list, see here.

Wildlife gardens

Nearly 200 gardens that open with Scotland's Gardens Scheme have areas dedicated to wildlife. From wildflower meadows to rough grass and natural ponds. Gardens can offer a fantastic network and environment for wildlife.

Want to explore the lives of small mammals and creepy crawlies? These gardens are the perfect place to start.

Thinking of starting your own wildlife corner? Our garden owners love to talk about their gardens, so why not ask for hints and tips on your visit?

For a full list of wildlife gardens for you to explore, click here.

Daffodils

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

William Wordsworth

Go see what Mr Wordsworth was on about: visit a garden with daffodils fluttering and dancing in the breeze. There are hundreds to choose from, see here.

Woodland Gardens

If you go down to the woods today, You're sure of a big surprise.

There's something magical about walking in woodland. As well as the ethereal effects of woodlands they are very beneficial for mankind. They help us reset, improve our mood and mental health, reduce tension and increase vigour, according to Barton and Pretty, 2008.

Sound good? There are over 200 woodland gardens open with Scotland's Gardens Scheme, which will you visit? See here.

Bluebells

Another one for the visit list: bluebells. Native bluebells are stunning and multitudes of their delicate flowers create a wonderful blue carpet.

A day trip to a bluebell wood is a great place to take younger members of the family: they make great back drops for the Instagram generation (and we'd love to see the pictures).

Set aside an afternoon in May for a visit to a bluebell garden. For a full list click here.