Gardens in Deal will open up to the public for the very first time as part of a prestigious national event.

The National Gardens Scheme (NGS) sees beautiful outdoor spaces up and down the country showcased to the public today to raise cash for a number of good causes.

This year five gardens in Deal will take part for the very first time after a lengthy process of qualifying inspections.

Lyn Buller, 65, of West Street, helped to organise Deal’s participation - having taken part in similar events when she lived in London.

She said: “I love my garden and I think it’s lovely to be able to share it with other people and to get ideas from each other.”

Mrs Buller who lives with her husband Peter, added: “When you go to see gardens they are very big and it doesn’t reflect the reality. These are all smaller gardens.”

A Day at the Beach is the theme of Jan Ware’s entry. The 64 year-old of West Lea, was inspired by the seascape and her desire for a beach hut.

Lyn Freeman, 70, and Barry Popple, 74, will be welcoming visitors after they were recommended to NGS by a member of the public.

Ms Freeman said: “It’s a casual cottage garden and that’s how it is staying but I love it.

“I hope to meet other people like me that are very casual about it but love gardening.”

Imogen Jenkins and the Landmark Community Garden has been the exception to the rule - for the event usually only features private, residential spaces.

Ms Jenkins, 42, started running the project four years ago, teaming up with Deal With It. Since then her green fingers have cultivated a space for community events.

She said: “Most of the plants have some kind of medicine or culinary use and that’s how it has been designed.”

Ms Jenkins, of Peter Street, has labelled each of the plants to explain to visitors what they do.

She said: “It’s supposed to be educational. I have the joy of making it how I want it to be and it’s really growing this year.”

She has also thanked Rose Dowd from the Sunshine Ukes and Folk by the Sea who helped to raise £500 towards the upkeep. She said it wouldn’t have been possible without the kind donation.

After 13 years of building up the garden from scratch, Robin Green, 72, and Ralph Cade, 54, are now pleased to be showing off their garden in Sandown Road.

Mr Green said: “There was three plants in the garden and some rubbish when we moved.”

The pair have exhibited in the national gardens scheme before in London when they had 800 people visiting in two days so they are preparing for masses and providing cream teas.

Mr Green said: “We are a good omen for gardening being good for your health. It has a really good impact on people’s lives.”