Between 1st – 12th June, charities across the UK say thank you to their volunteers as part of Volunteers’ Week. This annual event celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers.

To celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2016 and on behalf of all the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) beneficiary charities, we want to say a huge thank you to the amazing people at the NGS who open their gardens to the public each year and go above and beyond to raise vital funds and support our work.

The following gardens are open for the period of Sunday, 12th June to Sunday, 19th June and welcome your continued support:

• Frome Gardens, 9 Catherston Close with Mercers Cottage are open on Sunday, 12th and Sunday, 19th June from 12 noon to 5 p.m., combined garden.

Two very varied gardens, 9 Catherston Close, Frome, BA11 4HR, is a town garden which has grown over the years to ? acre! Colour-themed shrub and herbaceous borders, pond, patios, pergolas and wild meadow areas lead to wonderful far-reaching views. Productive vegetable and fruit garden with greenhouse sit comfortably within this garden. An exhibition of garden photography by the garden owner, from near and far, is displayed in the summerhouse. Disabled Access, plants for sale.

In total contrast, since moving into Mercers Cottage, Robins Lane, Frome, the garden has been a work in progress for the resident gardener over the last four years, still with ongoing developments. This garden is being transformed from being uninteresting and non-productive to having a wealth of plants and shrubs. Unique art works, statuary and a small wildlife pond bring life into the garden area. The entry to the garden has steps down to the garden that do not accommodate wheelchair access.

Stoberry Garden, Stoberry Park, College Road, Wells, BA5 3LD is open on Tuesday, 14th June and Wednesday, 15th June from 11.30 a.m. – 5 p.m. With breath-taking views over Wells Cathedral, this six acre family garden planted sympathetically within its landscape provides a stunning combination of vistas accented with wildlife ponds, water features, sculpture, 1½ acre walled garden, gazebo, lime walk. Colour and interest in every season; spring bulbs, irises, acer glade, salvias; wild flower circles, a new meadow walk, and fernery. Disabled information: Gravel paths, steep slopes.

This garden is also Open by Arrangement for the National Gardens Scheme to September, please mention the NGS when booking.

Home-made teas are available. Access over gravel paths, some steep slopes. Further details of this and other open gardens, as well as how to open your garden to raise funds for the NGS charities, can be found at: www.ngs.org.uk

Judith Stanford