This Sunday, eleven gardens will be open in the village of Chirbury, near Montgomery, about 18 miles south-west of Shrewsbury.

The gardens are open from 2-6pm for St Michael’s Church and the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust.

One of the organisers, Lizzie Harratt, the vicar’s wife told me the starting point will be the Vicarage, which is on the B4386 on the right-hand side as you enter the village from Shrewsbury.

A Garden Trail map will be issued with descriptions of the gardens and their location, six in the village centre and two clusters a short drive away.

Liz explained: “Each garden has its own charm and the owners are happy to show visitors the fruits of their labour and talk gardening – the trials, tribulations, tips and triumphs.”

Many of the gardens are typical cottage gardens with a wide variety of cottage garden plants. One thatched cottage is described as having many lovely features with beds of good old-fashioned plants, a wildlife pond and some beautiful sweet peas.

Another is a garden for nature with old-fashioned roses, flowers and shrubs for butterflies, birds and bees with lots of scent, colour and a pond.

Lizzie’s garden reminds her of her favourite book – Mirabel Osler’s A Gentle Plea for Chaos. Another is owned by someone who loves hanging baskets and fuchsias

Out in the countryside you would expect to see plenty of fruit and vegetables grown. This is the case with some good vegetable gardens to visit, including one belonging to the oldest resident of the village who is 90 years young and has a large vegetable garden, helped by neighbours and friends.

“In the Vicarage garden, children from Chirbury School have helped plant potatoes and sunflowers as a project.” Lizzie said.

There are gardens which will also appeal to younger visitors, with dens in the Vicarage garden and rope ladders attached to the trees.

Another garden describes a twisting path winding through long grass, and also has a tree with a tree house.

The owners of this garden have only been in the village a couple of years but have done a lot in that time to develop the garden further.

Children are encouraged to come to the trail and join in the fun and admission for them is free.

Village garden trails provide lots of opportunities for visitors to pick up ideas for their own gardens, and in particular how to maximise small spaces.

A trip to Chirbury this Sunday could be very rewarding and there will also be the opportunity to buy teas, plants and books in the Vicarage garden.

“We urge visitors, while passing through the churchyard, God’s acre, to look inside St Michael’s Church – a moment for repose,” Lizzie remarked.

GARDENS OPEN:

July 12

• 3 Church Terrace, Berriew. For the NGS. Open 2-6pm. Admission £2.
• Glansevern Hall Gardens, Berriew. For the NGS. Open midday-5pm. Admission £4.

July 13

• Bridgwalton House, Telegraph Lane, Morville. For the NGS. Open 2-6pm. Admission £3.50.
• Chirbury Garden Trail. For the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust. Eleven gardens open from 2-6pm . Admission £3.
• Poplar Cottage Farm, Morville. For the NGS. Open 2-6pm. Admission £2.50.
• Windy Ridge, Little Wenlock. For the NGS. Open midday-5pm. Admission £3.50.

By Martin Ford