This summer, a wide array of beautiful gardens will be open for the public to explore. From a monastery to a Victorian mansion which played host to a hit movie, visitors to St Michael’s Hospice’s Open Gardens events won’t be short of choice.

There are 17 different dates for the diary, with the Hospice’s inaugural Plant Fair kicking things off on May 5th and 6th.

Communities in Llangrove, Bosbury, Dorstone are among those on board.

“It’s great to be doing something to help St Michael’s,” said 94-year-old Ernest Morgan, from Dorstone. “I know all about the Hospice. I’ve visited many friends who have been there.”

He says he is looking forward to opening his garden as part of Dorstone Open Gardens on 10th and 11th June.

“I’ll enjoy it because I like chatting to people,” he added. “I’ll be able to look outside and watch them all.”

Paddy Nugent, the Hospice’s Community Manager, said he was very excited by this year’s programme. “There is a great selection of gardens, ranging in size and beauty, each with its own attraction,” he said.

Among the many attractions is The Laskett Gardens in Much Birch, which are the creation of Sir Roy Strong and boast the unique accolade of being the largest formal gardens to have been created in England since the Second World War.

The full list includes the Deanery and Canons’ gardens at Hereford Cathedral (June 1st), Belmont Abbey (July 30th), and two gardens near Presteigne at Bryan’s Ground (May 13th) and Pant Hall (June 24th).

In early October there is also an Open Gardens event at Stokesay Court in south Shropshire - used as a location for the 2007 film Atonement starring Keira Knightly - which ties in with the venue’s 125th-year celebrations.

For more details, including dates, venues and pricing pick up an Open Gardens brochure at the St Michael’s Hospice shop in Ross-on-Wye or at the Hospice in Bartestree or visit www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk