Gardens in Southorpe, Greetham, Thistleton and Manton will open to raise money

With another weekend of warm weather forecast, it’s the perfect time to visit more beautiful open gardens.

Abbots Barn in Southorpe will open for the first time tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday), from 1pm to 6pm, under the National Garden Scheme.

Parly designed by the BBC Gardeners World presenter Adam Frost, the two acre garden, around a Georgian barn, is expected to be in its full midsummer glory with gorgeous summer roses and herbaceous planting in full bloom.

As well as stunning borders, Abbots Barn also features a wildflower meadow, allotment-sized vegetable plot, orchard, Mediterranean gravel garden and even a 20 year old woodland with mown grass paths to be explored.

Extra family friendly touches include a beach garden and large courtyard containing a croquet lawn.

Homemade teas will be served on both opening days.

For those who can’t make it, a virtual tour is available at www.ngs.org.uk where you can also pre-book tickets.

The Herb Nursery in Thistleton will also open from 10am to 4pm tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.

Explore five acres of nursery, gardens and woodland, not normally open to the public

Tea and cakes will be available.

Garden entry is by donation with proceeds going to the Friends of Thistleton Church, which helps towards maintenance and refurbishment.

On Sunday, a group of three gardens will open in Manton on the south side of Rutland Water, from 1pm to 5pm, in aid of the National Garden Scheme.

Manton Grange has a large garden with interesting trees, shrubs, herbaceous borders and rose garden.

22 Lyndon Road is a beautiful cottage garden, full of unusual plants, pots and hanging baskets.

Manton Lodge has a steeply sloping garden with wonderful views and colourful beds of roses and perennials, ornamental pond and terrace.

Delicious home-made teas, in aid of the church, will be available to visitors, served outside at the village hall.

More at www.ngs.org.uk

Also on Sunday, villagers in Greetham will open 11 gardens from 1pm to 5 pm.

Tickets and parking will be at the Greetham Community Centre where will also be tea and cakes and a plant stall.

Entrance for adults is £5 and accompanied children are free.

All proceeds go to the Greetham church fabric fund.