A bonanza of beautiful blooms raised almost £3,000 when three glorious gardens opened their gates for charity.

The National Gardens Scheme event took place in Burton, Neston.

Mentioned in the Domesday Book the attractive village itself is described as ‘picture postcard’.

Organisers promised ‘three gardens each with its own unique character, three plant sales, homemade teas, three car parks and a map for each visitor’ for a combined entry of £5, children free.

Lyndale was one of three gardens in Burton, Neston which opened for charity. Pic supplied by Liz Carter.
Lyndale was one of three gardens in Burton, Neston which opened for charity. Pic supplied by Liz Carter.

And despite ‘truly awful’ rain in the afternoon and the distractions of Euro 2016 and the political fall out from the referendum over 300 garden lovers flocked to the spectacle with the sun shining at least in the morning.

Those opening their gates included Lynwood, a half-acre plantswoman’s garden which is home to many specialist plants with a superb view across the Dee to the Clwydian hills.

Set on an extensive sandstone outcrop enclosing a sunken pond, the garden is divided into ‘rooms’ decorated with varied collections of colourful herbaceous plants.

Briarfield gardens first opened in 1993 and since then the number of species grown has multiplied astronomically.

Located on a sheltered site nestling under the south side of Burton Wood, which is in the care of the National Trust, they are home to many specialist and unusual plants some of which were available in the plant sale at the house.

Briarfield was one of three gardens in Burton, Neston which opened for charity. Pic supplied by Liz Carter.
Briarfield was one of three gardens in Burton, Neston which opened for charity. Pic supplied by Liz Carter.

The intricate layout of the one and a half acre main Briarfield garden is said to invite exploration not only for its ‘huge variety of plants’ but also for the imaginative use of ceramic sculptures.

Last but not least period planting with a splendid vegetable garden could be enjoyed surrounding the restored Edwardian glasshouse in the walled garden at Burton Manor.

To round off the event Claire House Children’s Hospice volunteers were providing delicious homemade teas in the village sports club.

Of the £2,945 total raised at the six hour show, the National Gardens Scheme received £2,309 and Claire House £636.