A NUMBER of Borders gardens will remain open this winter to help boost wellbeing.

Abbotsford, near Melrose, Paxton House at Berwick Upon Tweed, the surroundings of Dryburgh Abbey in St Boswells and Cringletie House Hotel gardens, near Peebles, will all be accessible.

Joanna Macpherson, director of Discover Scottish Gardens, said thousands have visited Scotland’s green spaces during the pandemic.

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“Overnight the visitor profile changed and suddenly we were seeing young people and families with children who had never set foot in a garden before," she said.

"What they’ve discovered is that there’s so much to see and discover in these beautiful spaces, from the bugs, frogs and squirrels that delight children, to a huge range of unusual trees and plants. And many people have been using gardens for exercise and for places to meet up with family and friends.

“We want people to keep on enjoying the gardens during the winter months and discover the beauty that only unfolds when there’s frost or snow on the ground or highly-scented winter plants are in flower,” she added.