CELEBRATED gardens in Wyre Forest and the surrounding area will be opening to the public for charity as part of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

Little Larford in Astley Burf is famous for its thousands of tulips set in a bedding display among shrub and herbaceous borders.

The hillside half-acre garden surrounds a picturesque thatched cottage (not open) in a woodland setting.

In addition to the tulips there are colourful containers and hanging baskets, a cut flower and vegetable garden, glasshouse and frames.

This garden has been featured in the AA book Inspirational Gardens. It will be open twice on April 18 and 25 between 11am and 5pm. Entrance is £3 and the post code is DY13 0SB.

Another garden that is opening under the NGS scheme is Stone House Cottage Garden, a romantic walled garden adorned with unusual brick follies.

This garden holds one of the largest collections of rare plants in the country. There is also an adjoining nursery.

It is open every Wednesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm. Admission is £3 and the garden can be found on the A448 Bromsgrove to Kidderminster road.

For details of other gardens opening in the area and for more information on all NGS Worcestershire gardens visit ngs.org.uk