CELEBRATE the sunshine this weekend with a trip to some really terrific gardens in Radnorshire.

On Sunday, June 6, from 1-5pm, Jude Boutle and Sue Cox are opening their garden at Rock House, Llanbister (LD1 6TN) for the National Garden Scheme.

You can buy tickets in advance online or just turn up on the day.

Jude said: “We have been creating a garden from this Radnorshire hillside at Rock House for over 25 years now and we both consider ourselves to be custodians of this space.

“Over those years the garden has coped with some extreme weather, an invasion of cattle and the inevitable slugs and moles. As it has endured these trials, Sue and I have had many times when we were grateful for our garden.

“Our mental health and resilience has been supported by working and being creative in the garden (although we rarely seem to find time to sit in it)

“Over the past year during lockdown we have used the garden as a place to find some quiet space and to spend time together; something we recognise is a luxury.

“As restrictions ease we hope people will feel confident to come and visit, there’s almost an acre so you will be able to find some room to wander undisturbed before a delicious slice of homemade cake. The bluebells are just hanging on, the laburnum is about to burst into flower and the bees are toiling away.

“We love our garden so are really pleased to be able to share it with other people, even for just one day, whilst raising funds for some truly remarkable nursing and health care charities.”

Also open this weekend is the amazing Japanese stroll garden Tranquility Haven at 7 Lords Land, Whitton, Knighton (LD7 1NJ). Owner Val Brown and her late husband started creating Tranquility Haven from nothing 15 years ago. Val says she loves the serenity of the bamboos and acers. She opened her garden for the first time in 2019.

“My husband died with cancer and I saw what he went through and all the help he had from Macmillan, so now I am giving something back,” said Val.

The garden is open from 2-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6. Again, you can book tickets in advance on the website or simply pay at the gate.

You can find out more and book tickets for both these gardens and other Welsh gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme on the website ngs.org.uk.

The money raised will go to fund nursing and caring charities supported by the National Garden Scheme, including Macmillan, Marie Curie, The Queen’s Nursing Institution and Hospice UK.