More than 800 gardens up and down the country opened for National Garden Scheme at the weekend and Chris and Judy Older welcomed former Conservative Party leader and Help the Hospices chairman, Lord Howard, to their 16th century cottage garden in the heart of the county.

Lord Howard enjoyed the views over Romney Marsh to the sea and admired herbaceous borders full of geraniums, geums, lupins, euphorbias and the unusual topiary at the couple's beautiful home at of Wyckhurst, near Ashford.

In true NGS tradition, Lord Howard tucked in to homemade tea and cake like thousands of other garden visiting enthusiasts who support the NGS throughout the year.

Wyckhurst will open by appointment only during the rest of June.

For details of other Kent garden openings visit