ON Sunday, June 30, garden lovers have a difficult choice to make – whether to visit a village of gardens close to Alvechurch or a brand new open garden in Inkberrow.

The village – or hamlet – of gardens is at Withybed Green, where the six garden owners who last opened for the National Garden Scheme (NGS) in 2011, are being joined by a seventh garden owner.

Withybed Green is set between semi-wooded hillsides and the Birmingham Worcester Canal and is an idyllic location for a relaxing Sunday afternoon stroll admitting the gardens, which include a range of sizes and styles to suit every horticultural taste. There is a specialist rose garden, ancient woodland, allotments, small cottage gardens and a stream-side walk.

The houses and cottages themselves, although not open, mostly date from the 19th century originally built for farm workers, nail makers, canal and railway builders. And Withybed has its own canal-side pub, The Crown.

Withybed Green gardens will be open from 1-6 pm, with a combined adult admission of £5, which gives access to all seven gardens (accompanied children free). Refreshments will be available.

Or people could chose to visit a garden opening for the first time this year, at 6 Dingle End, Inkberrow. This garden is over an acre in size with a formal area close to the house opening into a flat area featuring a large pond, stream and weir with apple orchard and woodland area. There is also a large vegetable garden including an interesting variety of fruits and the garden has been designed with wildlife in mind.

Dingle End will be open from 11am-5pm, admission £3 (children free).

For more details, see www.ngs.org.uk or pick up a leaflet at most tourist information centres, libraries and good garden centres.