THE gardens at Walcot Hall in Lydbury North were open at the weekend for members of the public to enjoy.

This huge estate, open as part of the National Gardens Scheme, is packed full of interesting features for visitors to enjoy such as the arboretum, originally planted by Lord Clive of India’s son Edward, a wide collection of fine specimen trees, and the woodland area which is alive with colour from rhododendrons and azaleas at this time of year.

There are far-reaching views of the south Shropshire hills to enjoy across the mile-long lake that make a stunning backdrop to the garden which has a clock tower, walled garden, dovecote, ice house and even its own wooden Russian church in the grounds.

TWO glorious gardens in south Shropshire will take the padlock off the gates for a good cause this weekend.

The Tower House, near Craven Arms, and Marehay Farm, at Ratlinhope, will be open to the public as part of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) on Sunday (June 1).

“This is a delightful old garden but a new one for NGS supporters in Shropshire to enjoy,” said Allison Walter, publicity officer for Shropshire NGS speaking about The Tower House.

“The garden has taken more than 40 years to mature and has lovely planting and glorious views over one of the most attractive areas in the country - the Corvedale.”

It is a two acre garden in a rural setting with formal and informal planted areas, a vegetable plot and woodland areas.

The gardens will be open from 2pm to 5pm. Admission is £4 for adults but is free for children.

There is some wheelchair access around the garden but several rough paths. Well behaved dogs are welcome and afternoon teas will also be available.

The Tower House can be found at Bache, seven miles from Ludlow off the B4365 Ludlow to Much Wenlock road.

It can be found by following signs on the left to Bache and Burley.

From Craven Arms follow the B4368 towards Bridgnorth, turn right on to the B4365, then right to Bache and Burley. Look out for yellow NGS signposts.

Also open on Sunday are the popular gardens, with their pools and waterfalls, at Marehay Farm, which is in a remote part of the county, beneath the Stiperstones in south Shropshire at 1,100 feet above sea level.

This garden has been a real challenge to create since work started on it in 1990. Now the result is a fantastic garden which is packed full of beautiful plants and water features.

Marehay Farm is open to NGS visitors from 11am to 6pm. Plants and afternoon teas will be on sale. Admission is £3 for adults but is free for children.

There is wheelchair access with assistance needed in some areas of the garden.

Marehay Farm can be found at Gatten, near Ratlinghope and close to ‘The Bridges’ crossroads, 6.5 miles west of Church Stretton and nine miles NNE of Bishops Castle. Look out for yellow NGS signs.

Captions: The Tower House and Marehay