Visiting Times

Feb 27-28

The Garden House, Saxby, Lincolnshire. Eight acres of landscaped gardens with thousands of snowdrops, crocus, iris, and winter interest shrubs and hellebores. Entry 3.50. www. thegardenhousesaxby. co.uk. 01673 878820.

To Feb 28

Austwick Hall, Austwick, near Settle. Woodland snowdrop walk. 11am-3pm (subject to weather). Admission 3, children free. Refreshments available and plant sales. 015242 51794. www.austwickhall.co.uk

Sunday February 28

Harrogate Orchid Society annual show, Britannia Airport Hotel, (formerly The Holiday Inn) Bramhope. Open to public 10:30am-4pm. Orchid exhibits from six other societies including representatives from the East Midlands and Cumbria together with a new trade exhibitor from Berkshire. Admission 2. More information from show secretary Sylvia Lawson on 0113 2190544.

York Gate Garden, Adel, Leeds. For the first time since 2001, this amazing garden will be opening its gates in February. It's in aid of Adel Parish Church Bell Tower Appeal and is an exceptional opportunity to see the wonderful display of snowdrops and other early spring flowering bulbs and perennials. Visitors will also be able to talk to the head gardener, join a guided tour and buy plants. Adults 3.80, under-16s free. Visit www.yorkgate.org.uk or phone 0113 2678240.

Regular openings

Cannon Hall, Cawthorne, Barnsley. Seventy acres of parkland and gardens. Weekdays and Sundays 10.30am-4pm. Saturday 3pm. Free entry, 2 parking charge. More information on 01226 790270 or visit www.barnsley.gov.uk

From March 1

Dove Cottage Nursery and Garden, Shibden Hall Road, Halifax. Specialising in herbaceous perennials and grasses. Shop. Open Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm. 01422 203553 or log on to www.dovecottage nursery.co.uk

Lotherton Hall, Leeds. Unusual plants, formal geometry, secret

gardens and woodland walks. Grounds free, car parking charges apply. Open all year. Further information on 0113 2645535; www.leeds.gov.uk/ lothertonhall

Parcevall Hall Gardens, Skyreholme, near Appletreewick. Twenty-four acres of Yorkshire's best – herbaceous, trees, shrubs, streams, rock gardens, terraces. Plant sales. Adults 5.75, children free. Daily, 10am-6pm. 01756 720311 or visit www.parcevallhallgardens.co.uk

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate. 58 acres of gorgeous gardens, open every day from 9.30am. RHS members free, adults 7, children 6-16 2.50, under-6 free. Call 01423 565418 or rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr

Ripley Castle Gardens, Harrogate. Beautiful walled gardens, massive herbaceous borders, unusual plants, hothouses, lakes and deer park. Adults 4, children 2.50, under-fives free. 01423 770152 or www.ripleycastle.co.uk

Sewerby Hall & Gardens, near Bridlington. Set in 50 acres of parkland and award-winning formal and walled gardens. Visit www.sewerby-hall.co.uk

Wentworth Castle Gardens, Lowe Lane, Stainborough, Barnsley. Gardens open daily, 10am-4pm. Caf. Adult 4.50, senior (60+) 3.50, child (5-16) 2.50, under-5 free, parking free with garden ticket. Entrance to parkland free. Tel: 01226 776040; www.wentworthcastle. org

Wentworth Woodhouse Gardens, Wentworth, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Ornamental gardens. Coffee shop. Admission by donation. Access via Wentworth Garden Centre. Open 9.30am-4pm. 01226 744842 or visit www.wentworthgardencentre.co.uk

Wortley Hall Gardens, Wortley, near Sheffield. Some 26 acres of elegant Italianate gardens set within landscaped parkland. Entry by voluntary donation payable at reception. 9.30am-4pm. 0114 288 2100 or [email protected]

Openings are sometimes subject to change. We strongly advise readers to check by phoning the venues listed before travelling.

Anyone wishing to advertise a garden opening for charity should write to the above address or web address, stating the location of the event, date, time, admission price, a contact number and/or website, and a brief description of the garden – at least two weeks before the event.