TWO Worcestershire gardens will be flinging open their gates to the public over Easter and raising money for good causes.

Visitors will be able to sample the delights of Spetchley Park Gardens on Good Friday April 3 from 11am to 6pm when the gardens will be open as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

Spetchley Gardens extend over 30 acres and include many rare trees, shrubs and plants to attract both the professional and amateur gardeners.

The garden is owned by John Berkley, who also owns Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. It has been owned by the Berkeley family since 1605.

It is a garden for all tastes containing one of the biggest private collections of plant varieties outside the major botanical gardens. The garden is not formal but is a wondrous display of plants, shrubs and trees and the peaceful walks make it an oasis of peace and quiet.

White Cottage, Earls Common Road, Stock Green, near Inkberrow, will be open on Easter Day Sunday April 5 and Easter Monday April 6 from 11am to 4.30pm.

This garden, developed over 30 years mainly from a field has an open aspect with many areas of interest flowing from one to another. There are many specimen trees but the garden is dominated by a huge weeping willow which has been growing for more than 50 years.

To the far side is a stream garden with bog beds and looking beyond is a small wild flower meadow which in the early spring is carpeted with snakes head fritillary, cowslips, primroses and miniature daffodils.

Every year, the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) raises millions of pounds for charities such as Hospice UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. Up and down the country, garden owners open their gardens for a modest entrance fee, and visitors enjoy the double benefit of relaxing in a beautiful setting and raising funds for wonderful causes.

National Gardens Scheme gardens come in many different shapes and sizes, but all of them showcase the skill and dedication of their owners, who spends hundreds of hours each year preparing their gardens for the visits.

Visitors may well find ideas for their own gardens, or simply enjoy appreciating the skilled work of others.

George Plumptre, chief executive of the National Gardens Scheme says: “Many NGS gardens are particularly beautiful in spring, full of blossom, daffodils and bursting into life.

“Over the holiday families will be looking for an enjoyable, relaxing place to visit and an NGS garden will always provide a very welcoming and affordable afternoon out.

“Many will be full of surprises for children and in most cases you can round off your visit with a delicious home – made tea. Last but not least, you can leave knowing that as well as having had a good time, the money you have spent will go directly to charity to benefit others.

”Details of all NGS gardens opening over the Easter weekend and throughout the year can be found at www.ngs.org.uk, or on the free NGS ‘Garden Finder’ app.”

Since its foundation in 1927 the National Gardens Scheme has donated more than £45 million to its nominated beneficiaries and partners. In addition, individual gardens have given more than £4 million in small donations directly to local charities of their choice.