Residents of a south Norfolk market town are gearing up to unlatch their gates as part of Harleston Open Gardens.
From delightful pocket handkerchief plots to rolling lawns, over 24 private gardens will take part in the scheme over the weekend of July 11 and 12.
Now in its second year the event is part of a programme of activities run by Harleston's Future team and is jointly organised with Harleston Garden Club.
Lesley Rock, of the Garden Club, said: 'It is not all about high horticulture or immaculately groomed gardens, but more about showing visitors the sheer variety of unexpected gardens hidden behind walls and gates in and around the town.
'They range from tiny urban spaces filled with pots of colour to lawns that slope down to the river and wooded spaces that you don't expect to find off the main road.'
Accompanying the open gardens are a number of special events.
On Saturday, July 11 a free vintage shuttle bus will operate a hop-on, hop-off service on a circular route through the town and to outlying gardens.
Full details of the stops will be available when buying open garden tickets.
On Sunday, July 12 from 10.30am to 4.00pm, there will be a garden plant, craft and produce sale on Harleston's Market Place which will also offer preserves and garden collectibles.
On both days Andrew Pipe will be on hand with plenty of advice and tips on the kitchen garden, cooking and bringing the garden to the table at The Workhouse on Old Market Street.
He will be joined by wildflower specialist Sophie Dawson of Onefield, and herbalist David Wren from Orchard End Organics.
The gardens will be open from 10.30am to 4pm each day.
Entry is £3 per adult, £5 for a couple, £5 for a family.
Tickets and trail sheets can be bought in advance from the Town Living shop on London Road and will not be available from individual gardens.
On Sunday July 12, they can be bought from Harleston's Future stall on the Market Place.
For further information call 01379 853132 or contact town.living@yahoo.co.uk
Have you got a Harleston story? Email kate.royall@archant.co.uk
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