WOODLAND temples, tree-top safari lodges and a grotto covered in shells will be on view when Astley Towne House welcomes visitors for a National Gardens Scheme (NGS) open day.

Tim and Lesley Smith’s two-and-half-acre plot includes sub-tropical planting, winding paths of jungle garden incorporating bananas, palms and other rare and exotic plants.

It also features a stumpery garden and statues The shell-covered grotto is based on Greek mythology and has an inbuilt water feature. There is also a revolving neo-classical summerhouse.

The garden will be open from 1pm until 5pm on Sunday, August 26. There is an admission charge although children get in free. Refreshments are available and plants will be on sale.

Keith and Franchesca Southall, who own Whitlenge Gardens in Hartlebury and have opened for the NGS for 20 years are also inviting visitors over the bank holiday weekend, on Sunday, August 26 and Monday, August 27, between 9am and 5pm, each day.

There is an admission charge but free entry for children. Whitlenge Gardens, in Whitlenge Lane, is a professionally-designed three-acre show garden, with more than 800 varieties of trees and shrubs.

There is a twisted pillar pergola, camomile lawn, waterfalls and pools, together with mystic features of the Green Man, “Sword in the Stone” and a cave fernery.

People can also walk the labyrinth and take refreshments in a tea room, as well as visit the garden plant centre.

New features introduced this year include a “Spiral Land Sculpture”, built with stone and soil, and a red gravel pathway winding up to the top, a deck walk over the bog garden and a walled garden added by Mr Southall as a silver wedding anniversary present for his wife.

It is only open on special days and for NGS visitors. More information on all NGS gardens open can be found at ngs.org.uk