The following local gardens will be open to the public in aid of the British Red Cross next month.

Open daily, 1 March to 31 October (except Wednesdays) 10am – 5pm Houghton Lodge gardens, Stockbridge, SO20 6LQ Much acclaimed formal and informal 18-acre gardens surrounding an 18th century cottage orné idyllically set overlooking the tranquil beauty of the River Test. Fine trees and lawns sweeping down to the river with Summer House. Traditional kitchen garden, espaliers, flower borders, herb garden and topiary. Hydroponic greenhouse and orchid collection. Mown paths guide visitors through the ancient Water Meadows and along the river among the wildlife and natural flora and fauna of the Test Valley. Meet the alpacas: Tom, Dick and Harry. Teas, coffees and homemade cakes available in the tearoom.

Sunday 4 April, 2.00pm - 5.30pm Church Farm, Barton Stacey, near Winchester SO21 3RR Spring garden bordered by Winterbourne with drifts of snowdrops, aconites, cyclamen, daffodils and narcissi.

Sunday 4 and Monday 5 April (Easter Sunday and Monday), Sunday11 April, Sunday 18 April, Sunday 25 April, 2.00pm – 6.00pm Vernon Hill House, Vernon Hill, Bishops Waltham, near Southampton SO32 1FH Butterflies are a feature of this peaceful six-acre garden, especially on sunny afternoons in June and July - 18 species were recorded in June/July 2009. Fine trees, spring bulbs, far reaching views and small individual gardens. Picnickers welcome.

Sunday 11 April, 2.00pm - 5.30pm Willowbank, Brickfield Lane, Lymington SO41 5RD Very pretty spring garden with streams, steps and paths to different levels.

Wednesday 14 April, 10.00am – 5.00pm, gates close at 6.00pm Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, Exbury, near Southampton SO45 1AZ A spectacular 200-acre oak woodland garden showcasing the world-renowned Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias. Steam railway open on 13 March until 7 November.

Sunday 18 April, 2.00pm – 5.30pm Three gardens in Crawley: Paige Cottage, Crawley, near Winchester SO21 2PR Spring garden, lots of spring bulbs, hellibores and wild area. Barn Cottage, Crawley, near Winchester SO21 2PR Informal viburnums and coppiced birches leading to area of climbing roses and clematis together with all year ground covering shrubs. > Crawley Manor, Crawley, near Winchester SO21 2PR A contemporary garden in its second year after planting.

** varied entrance fees/donations on the gate apply

Open Gardens offers a rare opportunity to explore the secrets of hidden and private gardens not usually open to the public. The programme has a spectacular list of gardens of all shapes and sizes throughout the UK.

The Open Gardens scheme began in Hampshire - with the earliest known records dating back to 1932. In 2009 Open Gardens raised more than £6,600, which helps the British Red Cross care for people in Hampshire with services such as first aid training, health and social care, humanitarian education in schools, emergency response in a disaster, and the fire and emergency support service.

Red Cross volunteer Barbara Bloxham, Open Gardens co-ordinator, said: “The funds raised for the charity will make a real difference to our local community. The variation of the gardens we have signed up is what makes it special - each is delightful in their own large or small way. Even after nigh on 18 years, I am still surprised at the beauty of them all.”

AUTUMN FAYRE