FOLKINGHAM

AN open gardens weekend at Folkingham, north of Bourne, includes an exhibition of wedding dresses in the parish church.

The gardens are a variety, to include large, small, established and new and the bridal gowns represent each decade of the last century.

Ten gardens will be open from 11am-5pm tomorrow and on Sunday. Admission £3 gardens, £2 exhibition.

HUDD'S MILL Stamford

FIVE acres of garden at Hudd's Mill on Uffington Meadows near Stamford will be open tomorrow and on Sunday in aid of the Helen & Douglas House children's hospice.

The riverbank house, dating from 1486, also has a mill stream and mill ponds and the landscaped gardens contain 1500 trees, 600 roses and 700 shrubs. There are two orchards – one with exotic fruits. There will be teas, plants, crafts and produce and opening hours are 10.30am-5.30pm. Admission £4.50, under 5s free.

WING

TWO gardens in the lovely village of Wing, two miles south of Rutland Water, are open on Sunday from 2-6pm as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

Townsend House, the home of Rutland NGS organiser Jennifer Wood, has a wonderful variety of roses – which should be at their very best.

The second garden, belonging to Rose and John Dejardin, features an exhibition of garden sculptures and also herbaceous borders and designed water features.

Admission £3.50, children free. There will be teas in the village hall, plant stalls and a willow-weaving demonstration.

GREETHAM

EIGHTEEN gardens – eight of them new this year – are open for Greetham Open Gardens Weekend.

Opening day is Sunday from 11am-6pm with proceeds to St Mary's Church. There will be refreshments, plants and produce for sale. Admission £3, or £5 per family – pay at the village green.

WAKERLEY MANOR

THE lovely 4-acre gardens of Wakerley Manor near Uppingham will be open on Wednesday evening from 5-8.30pm in aid of the fundraising National Gardens Scheme.

Enjoy a glass of wine and a peaceful walk. Admission £3, children free. The site is wheelchair friendly and there will be plants for sale.

GRIMSTHORPE CASTLE

THE 15 acres of formal and woodland gardens at Grimsthorpe Castle are open on Thursday from 11am-6pm as part of the fundraising National Gardens Scheme.

Visitors can expect to see fine topiary, roses and a kitchen garden. There are gravel paths.

Admission £4 (£3.50), children £2 (£9, £8 and £3.50 to include the castle).

LITTLE PONTON HALL

GARDENS at Little Ponton Hall, just off the A1 south of Grantham, are open on Sunday from 11am-5pm in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and Little Ponton Church. Admission is £3.50, children free. Disabled access with WC. Plants and refreshments. Dogs on leads welcome.

LYVEDEN NEW BIELD

THE National Trust property near Oundle has one of England's oldest garden landscapes. It was abandoned in 1605, following the owners' involvement in the Gunpowder Plot, and has recently been restored. There are original terraces, prospect mounts, canals and a five-acre orchard.

The gardens are open tomorrow as part of the National Gardens Scheme from 10.30am-5pm with tours at noon and 2pm. They are also open every Wed-Sun. Admission £4, children free. Details – 01832 205358.

GRANTHAM HOUSE

NESTLED behind imposing stone walls, the 7-acre gardens of this historic house are adjacent to the busy town of Grantham. There are expansive lawns, a woodland walk, an orchard, vegetable and herb gardens and restoration work is currently ongoing. The gardens are open on Sunday from 2-5pm as part of the National Gardens Scheme. Admission £4, children £2. Teas and plants for sale.

NEXT WEEK

GARDENS open next weekend are at Rosebriar in Collyweston, in Medbourne and Old Somerby and from next Sunday it's Easton Walled Gardens' Big Sweet Pea Week.