Spring is finally here which is the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy the secret gardens across Colchester and its nearby areas.
There are plenty of events to enjoy over the coming weeks and heading into May.
The National Garden Scheme (NGS) gives unique access to private gardens across the country, including several close to Colchester, and it raises money for nursing and health charities through admissions, tea, and cake.
Tickets to view the secret and private gardens can be purchased on the NGS website and many of them will allow you to turn up on the day.
When are the next secret garden openings near Colchester?
Feeringbury Manor, in Coggeshall Road, Feering, has an opening on Thursday.
This peaceful ten-acre garden has two ponds and features spectacular tulips and blossoms leading to a huge number of colourful plants.
Pollyfield, in Chapel Road, Langham, has an opening on Wednesday.
This mature garden covers one and a half acres and consists of several areas including a formal lawn, pond, and patio areas.
Bucklers Farmhouse, in Buckleys Lane, Coggeshall, has an opening next Sunday.
This traditional country garden features blowsy borders, yew hedges, topiary, and a little knot garden. It spreads across two acres and has been created by its owners over the last 50 years.
Green Island, in Park Road, Ardleigh, has an opening on Sunday, May 7.
It promises to be a garden for all seasons and dubs itself “a plantsman’s paradise”. Carved within 20 acres of mature woodland are huge island beds, a Japanese garden, a terrace, gravel, seaside and water gardens, all packed with rare and unusual plants.
Scripps House, in Cut Hedge Lane, Coggeshall, has an opening on Friday, May 12.
This large garden includes mature woodland and is divided into small areas including a walled pool garden and a spring garden. An ornamental pond is a home to ducks and visitors can also enjoy an ample vegetable garden and fruit cage, an orchard, and a chicken run.
More information about the gardens and the work of the National Garden Scheme can be found on the NGS website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here