Shropshire gardeners prepare to open gates for a day

A total of 61 Shropshire gardens will be opened from April 1 as part of the scheme which helps raise money for charity.

Allison Walter, spokeswoman for the NGS, said the charity had been raising money for nursing and caring charities since 1927 and although national, the charity had a very local emphasis.

She said the gardens to be opened to the public this year ranged from grand estates to small suburban gardens.

Chris Neil, county organiser for Shropshire NGS, said: "This year we have some very exciting new openings in the Shropshire calendar as well as some old favourite gardens re-opening for NGS.

"The variety of gardens in the county is wonderful so there is sure to be something to suit everyone's taste."

New attractions for 2013 include the cottage garden at Crossways near Newcastle-on-Clun which will be open on June 9 while, in the south of the county, at Church Stretton the gardens at 3 Scotsmansfield will be reopened by the new owners on May 26.

Another new opening will be the vegetable garden at Stiggley Cottage in Stottesdon which members of the public will be able to see on August 4, on July 28 The Croft at Croft Magna, near Whitchurch, will also be open and on June 16 it will be the turn of Shoothill House at Ford, near Shrewsbury.

Further information about the scheme is available in the NGS Yellow Book, on sale at most reputable dealers, or at www.ngs.org.uk

The Yellow NGS Shropshire Leaflet is also available free from various outlets around the county, including tourist centres, libraries and garden centres.

Alternatively, a free leaflet is available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Allison Walter, Shropshire NGS, Holly Cottage, Great Argoed, near Churchstoke, SY15 6TH.

The National Gardens Scheme raises funds mainly for nursing and caring charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and Crossroads Care. The 2013 guest charity is Parkinson's UK.