MIKE and Jenny Spiller’s garden at Elworthy Cottage – a haven for birds, insects and other wildlife – is open for the National Gardens Scheme on Monday and Thursday (August 27 and 30).

Many plants of the plants are grown especially to encourage bees and butterflies into the garden, and this summer has been exceptionally good for butterflies – 29 common blues were spotted at one time in the wild flower area.

Small coppers, gatekeepers and the occasional small skipper and marbled white have also been fluttering around, along with the more common species.

The garden is now greening up again after the long dry spell and plants that have seemed to enjoy the drought have been Shasta daisies, ornamental grasses, fennel and teasels, and their seed heads will provide food for birds well into the winter.

Hydrangeas have survived well and are a colourful feature of the garden at this time of the year: “We do not use pesticides in the garden and all our plants are grown in peat free compost,” said Mike.

A productive vegetable garden is designed for decorative effect and features a runner bean ’tunnel’ and a living willow screen. French beans and courgettes are particularly good this year.

The garden is open from 11am to 5pm both days. There will be tea, coffee and cake available and plants for sale. Admission £3.50, children free. Dogs are welcome on short leads.

Elworthy is on the B3188 half way between Wiveliscombe and Watchet. Further details available on the Elworthy Cottage website.