NINE exquisite private gardens, tucked away in the tranquil village of Calstock, are opening their gates on Sunday to help raise vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

Included in this clutch of horticultural jewels are excellent examples of landscaped Cornish gardens with breathtaking views of the historic viaduct and the picturesque Tamar Valley.

St Luke’s community fundraiser Wayne Marshall said: ‘This is a glorious set of gardens and a real community effort with so many people doing their bit for us. It will be a lovely way to spend a day so we hope to see as many of you out as possible and raise much-needed cash for the care of local people.’

On the day St Luke’s will also be selling plants outside the Tamar Inn and there will be live jazz music in the White House garden. Refreshments will be served in the Ellendale gardens on Higher Kelly.

Entrance to the St Luke’s open gardens also allows access to the grounds of Danescombe Valley House to enjoy the commanding view of the river, the blooming terraced slopes fascinating sculptures and quiet places to sit and take in the panorama.

The gardens will be open between 11am and 4pm on Sunday, May 22. Free parking is available in the railway and lower quayside car parks. Maps will be available on the day.

Unfortunately the Calstock gardens are unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to the sloping terrain.

For more information see the advert in the forthcoming events section on page 19 of this Thursday’s paper..