The spring flowers in Moretonhampstead gardens Sutton Mead and Mardon must have loved the driest winter for decades.

The colours of the apple blossom, wisteria, rhododendrons and azaleas have never looked better. Both of these four acre gardens will be open in aid of The National Garden Scheme on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 19, 20, 21 May - 2pm-6pm.

There will be a sale of plants raised in the gardens and delicious homemade teas. Parking is available at both gardens and for anyone wishing to combine their visit with a walk on the moor, dogs on leads are welcome.

Now celebrating its 90th year The National Garden Scheme exists to raise vital funds for nursing and caring charities including Macmillan Cancer Care, Marie Curie and Hospice UK. The scheme is the biggest donor to many of them and this year they will share £3 million. 3500 privately owned gardens in England and Wales, 150 of which are in Devon, open for the scheme to raise this money and all that comes from people enjoying a garden visit and a cream tea so do please come and support these deserving causes. We never know when we may need their help.

This year Moretonhampstead willow artist Katherine Miles will be exhibiting some of her work and all being  a well a herd of her deer will be rushing across the Sutton Mead lawn!