A RARE opportunity was afforded at the weekend to visit two very different gardens not normally open to the public.

The gardens, both of which contain many interesting plants, were opened to help raise funds for the British Red Cross.

Tufton Smallholding, on the southern edge of Whitchurch only a stone’s throw from the River Test, and Down Farm House at Hurstbourne Priors, which has a garden converted from an old farmyard.

A map was provided to aid travel from one tucked away garden to the other.

Plants were offered for sale at the smallholding while refreshing teas were served at Down Farm House.

A scavenger hunt has been arranged for children at both venues.