This July, numerous gardens will open around Norfolk for plant lovers to spend a few hours wandering around.
All seven of these secret spots are opening their gates for the National Garden Scheme (NGS) this month.
The NGS raises money for health and nursing charities through admissions and refreshments.
1. Lexham Hall
Where: Lexham Hall, Litcham, PE32 1QJ
When: July 16, 11am – 5pm
Price: £8
Parkland with a lake and river walks surrounds the 17th and 18th century house.
There is a formal garden with terraces, roses and mixed borders, and a traditional working kitchen garden with crinkle-crankle wall.
Dogs are allowed and light refreshments will be served throughout the day.
Lexham Hall will open its grounds once again (Image: NGS)
2. The Walled Garden
Where: The Walled Garden, Little Plumstead, Plumstead, NR13 5FA
When: July 16, 6pm – 8pm
Price: £10, pre-booking essential
The knowledgeable Richard Hobbs will be taking two guided tours, each for 15 people.
This will be a special treat to see the recently restored fine Victorian walled garden.
Heritage apples and pears also grow against the brick walls.
3. North Lodge
Where: North Lodge, 51 Bowthorpe Road, Norwich, NR2 3TN
When: July 20 and 27, 11am – 5pm
Price: £5
This is a magical town garden surrounding a Victorian Gothic cemetery lodge.
There is a classical temple, an oriental water garden, formal ponds linked with winding pathways and a surprise around every corner.
Homemade teas will be served throughout the events and no dogs are allowed.
READ MORE: Heritage railway unveiling ‘unseen’ steam locomotive thought to be scrapped
St Stephen’s Square Gardens will open in Norwich (Image: National Garden Scheme)
4. St Stephen’s Square Gardens
Where: St Stephen’s Square Gardens, Norwich, NR1 3SS
When: July 20, 11am – 4pm
Price: Combined admission at £6
Visitors will be able to browse a group of six city centre front gardens and a vibrant community garden.
As people move along the street of Georgian houses, they go from sun-loving plants in the sunny gardens of 3, 11A and 15, to shade-loving plants in gardens 35, 37 and 39 at the end of the street.
Each garden has its own individual charm.
Tea, coffee and cake will be served, with refreshments in aid of Priscilla Bacon Hospice.
5. Charnwood
Where: Charnwood, 7 Postwick lanes, Brundall, NR13 5RD
When: July 27, 10am to 4pm
Price: £5
This is a summer garden on three levels which has evolved over the past three years.
There are mixed and herbaceous borders, a topiary, a small vegetable garden, a wildlife garden and a pond.
The garden has views overlooking the Yare Valley and homemade teas will be served throughout the day.
READ MORE: Three-day gardening extravaganza returning to Norfolk venue
Charnwood in Brundall will open to the public (Image: National Garden Scheme)
6. Dale Farm
Where: Dale Farm, Sandy Lane, Dereham, NR19 2EA
When: July 27, 10.30am to 5pm
Price: £6
This is a two-acre plant lover’s garden which surrounds a large spring-fed pond.
More than 1,000 plant varieties grow in the borders, including more than 100 different hydrangeas, and there are sculptures and vegetables.
Music will play throughout the day while homemade teas are served and there will be a wide selection of plants for sale too.
7. Ferndale
Where: Ferndale, 14 Poringland Road, Upper Stoke Holy Cross, NR14 8NL
When: July 27, 11am to 4pm
Price: £4
Seating areas, arches, flower borders, pond, vegetable plots and a greenhouse all make up this third-acre garden, which is packed with colour.
There will be a craft stall and an accordionist playing, with light refreshments served throughout the day.