What better way to raise funds for charity than by throwing open the gardens of supporters to the public?

The Heart of Kent Hospice can rely on at least 15 garden owners who are busy sprucing up their plots for the openings to raise money for the Aylesford charity.

This year’s open gardens range from grand 18th century landscaped grounds to a safari of village gardens.

Westerhill Farm, Linton, near Maidstone, is open to the public on Sunday, April 19, where visitors can take an hour-long tour with the owners through the orchards and enjoy the views across the Greensand Ridge.

Other gardens opening in aid of the hospice are the Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway, which will be celebrating its 35th anniversary, Gallants Manor, East Farleigh, the peace garden and tree trail at Aylesford Priory and the Grange, Marden.

Simon and Cynthia Brice in Back Street, Leeds, will be opening their garden exclusively for the hospice on Monday, May 4 and Sunday, September 20. Their garden has more than 200 varieties of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, planted in five acres of former orchard.

Simon said: “We will be opening twice this year to show the significant difference in colour and form in planting between the seasons. I will also be running a woodland tree competition and plan to give a specimen tree to the winner.”

Vicki Morrey, chief executive of the hospice, added: “We are delighted that so many of our supporters who are passionate about gardening have chosen to open their stunning gardens to raise much needed funds. We will also be opening the hospice garden to the public on July 11. It is tended by our volunteers so that patients and their families can enjoy a quiet space.”

Visitors will be able to enjoy tea and cake at many of the gardens which will be provided by some of the hospice’s volunteers.

A brochure with full details of the open gardens is available to download at www.hokh.org or call 01622 790195 for a copy.