THREE of Ardleigh’s most picturesque private gardens will open to the public next month in a bid to raise money for charities like Macmillan and Marie Curie.

The owners of Mayfield Farm and Charity Farm will make a return to the annual event, hosted by the National Gardens Scheme (NGS), and be joined by Hungerdowns for the first time.

The NGS will be hoping to hit its record £3.1 million donation mark achieved in 2018, with £145,000 donated in Essex alone.

Mayfield Farm owner Ed Fairey is an avid supporter of the event.

He said: “We support the production of some 50,000 leaflets promoting the National Gardens Scheme each year through my business Fairey Associates as well as opening our own garden in support”.

“We look forward to welcoming returning visitors this year and hopefully, some new ones too who can share our enthusiasm for the gardens knowing they are also supporting some very worthy charities.”

The two-day event will give the public a chance to explore the 3-acre green space, boasting a quarter-of-a-million newly planted bulbs and 45 different fruit and nut trees.

Also returning is Charity Farm, sitting at nearly 5 acres and intending to create a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by a large lake and offering 12 different varieties of birth trees.

Hungerdowns, the latest addition to the annual fundraiser, will introduce the public to its yew maze, and staggering six acres of woodland.

Take a visit on either April 13 or 14, between 11am and 4pm.

Adult entry is £6 and under-12s are free.