SEVEN gardens across the local area will be opening their doors to the public to showcase their unique features.
The invitation to explore them comes as part of the National Open Garden Scheme (NGS) which gives visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful grounds of private spaces.
Well Cottage and Pilsdon View, both in Ryall, will be taking part. Well Cottage, which has been featured in Amateur Gardening magazine, boasts a one-acre garden brought back to life over the past 10 years.
Pilsdon View, which finished in second place in the large garden contest at the 2019 Melplash Show, has views over the Marshwood Vale towards Pilsdon Pen. Residents can visit both for a combined price of £7 with all the proceeds going to charity. Both gardens are open from Saturday, May 22 until Monday, May 24 between 12pm and 5pm.
Cliff Cottage in West Bay will also be opening, its one acre garden features a small orchard and views of East Cliff and towards Portland. It will be open on Sunday, June 20 from 1pm to 5pm.
Three gardens in Beaminster will also be participating in the scheme. The Manor House, home to 16 acres of parkland complete with mature specimen trees, lake and even a waterfall, will be open on Sunday, May 30, Monday, May 31, Sunday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, from 11am to 5pm each day.
Knowle Cottage, the garden of which features a small orchard and vegetables in raised beds leading to a small stream and bridge, is open on Saturday, June 5.
Higher Brimley Coombe Farm features a new garden of just over an acre, planted over the last five years, and it will be open on Sunday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 25 and later in the year on Thursday, September 9 and Sunday, September 12.
Chideock Manor boasts between six and seven acres of gardens, with a bog garden beside a stream and series of ponds. The garden will be open on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13 from 2pm until 5pm.
Hogchester Farm in Charmouth will also be participating in the scheme, opening from 9am until 6pm on Saturday, July 3.
For information on wheelchair access, which gardens allow dogs and admission prices, visit www.ngs.org.uk
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