Gardens open for the National Gardens Scheme:

THIS really is the peak time of year for colour and scent.

The sheer variety of gardens opening this week for the National Gardens Scheme in Gloucestershire means that visitors will be spoilt for choice, with gems to visit the length and breadth of the county. 

Most gardens provide teas and many also have plant stalls. Here are some highlights:

Saturday, June 13.

Longhope Open Gardens: four gardens in a valley with wonderful views. Open on Saturday, 12-5pm and on Sunday, June 14. 2-6pm.

Rose Cottage, Kempley, near Dymock (also open on Sunday, June 14). Home to Naomi Cryer, this one acre, flat garden is put mostly to herbaceous borders. A hot bed and long border lead to a borrowed view, and there’s a small parterre in an orchard area, a grass bed and pond. The wildflower pasture is at its best at this time of year.11am-5pm

Sunday, June 14.

Ampney Brook House, Ampney Crucis, near Cirencester. A striking Grade II Cotswold house on over four acres, fronting the eponymous brook. Woodland, kitchen garden, herbaceous borders and meadows are all key features, while picnicking is actively encouraged on the wide lawns of the garden. 11.30am-4.30pm.

Blockley Open gardens, near Moreton-in-Marsh. Six different gardens There are a variety of high quality, well stocked gardens, both large and small in this historic hillside village. Blockley Brook runs through several of the gardens, and many also offer countryside views. 2-6pm.

Highnam Court, at Highnam, near Gloucester. Forty acres of Victorian landscaped gardens surround Grade I Highnam Court. There are lakes, shrubberies and water gardens with grottos and fernery. Also to be enjoyed is the one acre rose garden, the ornamental lakes and woodland areas. 11am-5pm.

Stanton Open Gardens. Over 20 gardens will be open in Stanton, near Broadway. Many houses border the street with long gardens behind, hidden from public view. The gardens range from large houses with colourful herbaceous borders, established trees, shrubs and formal vegetable gardens, to tiny cottage gardens yet packed with interest. Legendary homemade teas are a popular favourite. 2-6pm.