GARDENS to the northwest of Hereford have been given a national award.

Brobury House Gardens have been named the best gardens with one to five staff at the Horticulture Week Custodian Awards.

Representatives of the gardens travelled to Woburn Abbey to attend the awards ceremony.

The eight acre garden on the banks of the River Wye comprises of herbaceous and shrub borders, architectural areas, ponds, streams, an orchard and young arboretum, kitchen garden, Victorian greenhouses, cutting flower beds and expansive lawns.

The garden team is led by head gardener Nicky Goddard assisted by three part-time gardeners and one volunteer.

Brobury House changed hands in 2001 when the new owners undertook the major task of sympathetic restoration and the rejuvenation of a very tired and neglected garden. The garden has remained open to the public all year round since then.

The gardens have to be self-supporting which means they are open to the public every day, 12 months of the year. Groups, societies and coach tours are encouraged.

Brobury has supported The National Garden Scheme for the last 10 years. An inaugural wedding fayre is scheduled for July this year focusing primarily on Herefordshire Wedding Suppliers.