THE gates to some glorious gardens are being opened this weekend as people from far and wide flock to a quiet West Devon village. Sunday, June 15 will see the annual South Zeal and District Open Gardens day, a popular event that has taken place for the last 17 years. This year will see 16 gardens open for the public to view, all in South Zeal, apart from three situated along the Throwleigh Road. Open gardens organiser, Miss K M Wolton, said: 'There is something of interest for everyone. In the village some gardens are small, hidden and intimate but others quite extensive. 'Two gardens in South Zeal are in the unique and historic burgage plots, existing since the 13th century, one garden is on a steep hillside and some gardens have views over the surrounding countryside. 'There are cottage gardens, plantsman's gardens, gardens with water features and one garden that has hardly begun! 'In fact, whatever your particular interest, whether it be lawns and shrubs, colourful borders, vegetables or simply viewing someone else's hard work, it will be found here.' Other attractions include morning coffee and ploughman's lunches, with puddings, being served in the Victory Hall, cream teas being served in the playing field pavilion and the plant sale on Greenbank. Lunches will be served between noon and 2pm with a staggered closing time for gardens over lunch. At 1pm there will be a special choral concert by Moor Harmony. The funds raised will be used for maintenance and improvement of the Victory Hall and to help replace play equipment at the recreation ground. Gardens will be open from 10.30pm until 6pm and programmes, costing £3 each, give access to all the gardens. These will be available on the day from the Victory Hall or any of the open gardens. Children are free and visitors are asked to use the car park in South Zeal and to please leave their dogs at home.