The National Gardens Scheme raises money for charities by opening private gardens to the public. A Garden Finder service helps you plan your day out and also gives listings of gardening events. The Picton Garden in Colwall is famed for its autumn flowering asters which are at their best in September and October, while Burford House at Tenbury Wells boasts the national Collection of Clematis. Save yourself the bother of raising bedding plants from seed. You'll need to transplant them into larger pots to grow them on, and they will need 'hardening off' before they go out into the great outdoors.
Organic gardening is here to stay and many suppliers are offering organic or untreated seeds.
The Organic Gardening Catalogue is the official catalogue of the HDRA, Europe's leading organic gardening organisation, and offers seeds produced to comply with current organic standards. They can be contacted on tel. The Ferme de Sainte Marthe catalogue offers rare and forgotten seed varieties including unusual tomatoes and pumpkins, tel. Mr Fothergill's Seeds also offer organically produced vegetable seeds. Contact them on 01638-552 512.