THE dog-days of summer are with us now and the pace of gardens opening for the National Gardens Scheme in Gloucestershire is slowing down.

But there is still much to enjoy in August, when talented gardeners show off their planting schemes for this challenging time of year.

The following gardens are open in Gloucestershire in August for the National Gardens Scheme:

Sunday, August 7

  • Barn House, Sandywell Park, Whittington

This is the home of Shirley and Gordon Sills, assistant county organisers of the National Gardens Scheme in Gloucestershire, who have created over the past 30 years a beautiful garden in a rural setting near Andoversford.

Two and a half acres lie within the walls of the former kitchen garden of Sandywell Park, and Shirley, a trained garden designer, has made the most of the rich, well-fed soil. Avenues of beech hedging, groves of orchard trees, rose-covered pergolas; hidden gardens and wide herbaceous borders around the house.

Open 11am-5pm. Admission £4.50, children free. Home-made teas.

  • Highnam Court, Highnam

40 acres of Victorian landscaped gardens surrounding magnificent Grade I house (not open), set out by artist Thomas Gambier Parry. Lakes, shrubberies and listed Pulhamite water gardens with grottos and fernery.

Exciting ornamental lakes, and woodland areas. Extensive 1 acre rose garden and many features, incl numerous wood carvings.

Open 11am-5pm. Admission £5, children free. Light refreshments in Orangery.

Sunday, August 14

  • Bourton House Garden, Bourton-on-the-Hill

Open much of the summer, but if you can visit on Sunday 14 August, your admission fee will be going to the nursing and caring charities supported by the National Gardens Scheme.

A wide apron of lawn leads out behind the house on to a spectacular view and is framed by deep, hot-coloured herbaceous border, while to one side is an immaculately kept knot garden.

There is also the chance to walk through seven acres of pasture beyond the garden using a printed guide to the specimen trees there.

Open 10am-5pm. Admission £6, children free. Home-made teas.

Monday, August 15

  • Kiftsgate Court, Chipping Campden

Anne Chambers, the present owner, is the granddaughter of the garden’s creator, who was a gardening friend of Lawrence Johnston, of Hidcote, just across the road.

The garden is steeply terraced, with planting on the different levels and marvellous views across a wide plain to the Malverns.

Open 2-6pm. Admission £8, children £2.50. Home-made teas.

Wednesday, August 17

  • Brockworth Court, Court Road

Tapestry-style planting which perfectly complements the centuries-old manor house.

The garden is worked organically and has quite distinct areas of cottage-style planting which nevertheless blend seamlessly together.

A Monet bridge leads over the fish pond with a small island with a thatched Fiji house, while there is also a kitchen garden once cultivated by monks.

Open 2-5pm. Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas.

Sunday, August 21

  • The Manor, Little Compton, Moreton-in-Marsh

A four acre garden in the heart of the village.

Working particularly well in August are the herbaceous borders, the Japanese garden and the arboretum full of specimen trees.

And if you want to take your young along with you, croquet and tennis are both available.

Open from 2-5pm. Admission £5, children free. Home-made teas.

Sunday, August 28

  • Awkward Hill Cottage, Awkward Hill, Bibury

Author Victoria Summerley will be offering wine at the cottage.

Come along and watch the light fade in this magical garden which Victoria has been redesigning over the last four years to reflect the local landscape and encourage wildlife.

She has achieved a good blend of formal and informal planting, between them offering year-round interest.

Open 6 - 8.30pm. Admission £4.50, children free. Wine.

Wednesday, August 31

  • Campden House, Chipping Campden

Two acres featuring mixed borders of plant and colour interest around house and C17 tithe barn (neither open).

Set in fine parkland in hidden valley with lakes and ponds. Woodland walk, vegetable garden.

Combined opening with Ernest Wilson Memorial Garden, Leysbourne, Chipping Campden.

The Ernest Wilson Memorial Garden was created in 1984 in memory of Ernest Wilson, the celebrated plant hunter who was born in Chipping Campden in 1876.

This small tranquil walled garden in the centre of town features entirely plants, shrubs and trees introduced by Ernest Wilson.

Both open 2-5.30pm. Combined admission £6, children free. Home-made teas.