THIS year's National Open Garden Scheme has started in the county.

Gardens across Herefordshire are opening up to the public to raise money for charity.

In 2017, 58 gardens opened for the scheme and raised £61,000 for the Macmillan, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, Perennial, Parkinson’s UK, Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Autistic Society, WRAGS and others.

An annual tea party to thank the garden owners and volunteers in Herefordshire was held at Hampton Bishop’s Village Hall.

Guest speakers included George Plumptre, chief executive of the NGS, Frank Ryding, talking about gardens and health, and Valerie Fitch from National Autistic Society Hereford Branch.

The 2018 NGS County Booklet is available free from libraries, Tourist Information Centres and garden centres and includes 55 gardens to visit this year.

For more information see www.ngs.org.uk