SPRING will soon be approaching but some gardens are already showing evidence of the new season's arrivals.

The National Garden Scheme will be hosting three open gardens in Cherubeer, near Dolton, to allow visitors to see the spring flowers and shrubs, including a collection of more than 150 different named forms of snowdrop, a national collection of hardy cyclamen and many single and double forms of Hellebore.

All three gardens have different appeals but beautiful flowers are a common theme throughout.

Last year in Devon more than 160 gardens, most of which are privately owned and only open for the NGS, raised more than £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and many other causes.

The Cherubeer gardens will be open on Sunday, January 30 and Sunday February 6 from 2pm to 5pm.

Entry price is £3.50 for the three gardens. There will be hot soup and home-made teas available as well as plants for sale, including named snowdrops and cyclamen.

Due to the temperament of the weather, visitors are advised to phone ahead before setting off, by calling Jo or Tom Hynes on 01805 804265.