On Saturday May 29 and Sunday May 30, the splendid gardens of Rockfield Park, near Monmouth will be open to the public under the National Gardens Scheme.

This is only the second time Melanie and Mark Molyneux have opened Rockfield Park to visitors since moving to Monmouth in 1995. In the intervening years, the five acres of formal gardens, and orchard have been restored, building upon the efforts of several well known local families who previously owned the estate. In addition, many new features have been established.

Highlights include ancient acers leading to lawns on the River Monnow, formal herbaceous borders, a rose garden, vegetable garden, orchard and parkland meadows.

Woodland and riverside walks will also be marked and visitors are welcome to bring picnics to enjoy beside the river. Dogs are welcome and there is wheelchair access to much of the garden.

All proceeds of the day will go to the charities supported by the NGS, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Currie Cancer Care and The Queen’s Nursing Institute. The NGS has raised over £45million for charity since it was founded, and for most of the beneficiaries, the NGS is their largest cumulative donor.

Admission is £5 for adults, children free. The entrance to Rockfield Park is opposite St Cenedlon Church, Rockfield. The gardens will be open between 12.00 noon and 6.00pm on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Parking will be available near the house. Teas and light refreshments will be available.

Sunday, May 29 sees Wenallt Isaf at Gilwern open their gates from 2pm until 6pm. This 2.5 acre north facing garden offers not only a wonderful variety of planting but also magnificent views and the chance to meet their chickens and pigs! Entry is £4 (children free) and home-made teas will be available.

Also open for the NGS over the Bank Holiday weekend will be Hillcrest in Cefn Forest, Blackwood. A contrast to Rockfield, Hillcrest packs so much into just 1.5 acres. One of the local NGS’ most popular gardens, Hillcrest will be open from 11am to 8pm on Sat, Sunday and Monday (admission £4, children free). Delicious cream teas will be available.

More about all the gardens, including photographs, and details of the charities supported are on the NGS website at www.ngs.org.uk