VISITORS to Dulverton on midsummer’s day (Sunday, June 21), will have a once-in-a-year opportunity to see behind the walls and hedges of the town’s secret and private gardens.

Eleven residents will be opening their gardens to the public for just one day for an event organised by Visit Dulverton volunteers to raise money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

A Visit Dulverton spokesperson said: “We are hoping this year’s total will be even better than last year’s £1,750.”

Visitors will be issued with a map of Dulverton with their admission tickets, showing the locations and details of the gardens.

Tickets at £7 are available to buy in advance from Dulverton Post Office and the town’s Tantivy shop and café.

All the gardens are open from 10.30 am to 4 pm and are within a comfortable walking distance of each other in the heart of Dulverton.

On the day itself, tickets will be available at £8.50 to purchase in Dulverton Town Hall, where visitors can enjoy light refreshments.

Many of the town’s eateries and shops will be open for this summer event which is sponsored by the Bridge Inn, Dulverton.

Last year, the gardens, many of which are hidden from view, saw more than 250 visitors.

A typical reaction online was: “These gardens are little gems. I would keep them secret if they were mine.”

The Visit Dulverton spokesperson said: “The Dulverton community is extremely grateful to these green-fingered residents who have generously volunteered to showcase their gardens for an excellent charitable cause.

“We are also very grateful to Dulverton Town Council who have agreed to make a donation to the sum we raise for the air ambulance after the event.”

More details about the secret gardens and other events are available on the Visit Dulverton website.