THREE gardens in West Devon will be opened during July and August in aid of the Mary Budding Trust, a charity which supports children under 11 with special needs in the borough by providing grants and equipment.

On Sunday, July 7, from 2.30pm to 5pm, David and Jenny Miles will be opening their plantsmen's garden at 'Lark Rise', Crapstone, which is filled with specialist and interesting plants, attractively set out in a small garden at the centre of the village. Admission is £3.50 and children are free. Light refreshments will be available.

'Taikoo' at Belstone, the home of Richard and Rosamund Bernays, will be open from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, July 28, admission £3.50 and children free.

This three-acre moorland garden has recently been extended to include heathers, grasses and moorland plants. It also has an interesting collection of rhododendrons, acers, fuscias, hydrangeas, magnolias, camellias, Chinese and Himalayan roses, a herb garden and magnificent views over Dartmoor from the terraces. Home-made cream teas will be available.

Ian and Jan Gasper will be opening their garden, 'The Chantry', Marshall Close, Whitchurch, for the charity from 2.30pm to 5.30pm on Sunday August 4, admission £2.50 and children free.

This delightful town garden is cleverly planted and designed and filled with attractive plants, a fine illustration of what can be achieved on a challenging site. Light refreshments will be available.

Since it was established in 2002 the Mary Budding Trust has aimed to provide opportunities that give children a fuller and richer life than might be possible without the financial support it can provide.

If anyone wishes to support the trust in its work or knows of anyone who would benefit from its help contact secretary Ann McDonald on 01822 614580 or [email protected]">[email protected]. The website for the charity is http://www.tavistock.fr/marybuddingtrust">www.tavistock.fr/marybuddingtrust