Of the 18 Norfolk gardens opening by arrangement for the National Garden Scheme (NGS) – now the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK – the eight listed below are not holding public openings this year. From a white wisteria walk, a collection of 150 hydrangeas, a garden that’s home to the National Collection of Salvia Microphylla and relatives, and a new addition to the NGS, there is much to enjoy and to inspire.

BECK HOUSE, Weston Longville

Tirelessly updated by the current owners, this garden is bordered by shallow becks and has many different border styles, plus large patio areas and lots of vertical interest with pergolas and specimen trees. 

When March to October for groups of 10+.

BROADWAY FARM, Scarning, Dereham

This half acre cottage garden surrounds a 14th century clapboard farmhouse. A plantswoman’s garden with colourful herbaceous borders and well planted pond.  

When June to July for groups of between 15 and 35.  

DALE FARM, Dereham

A plant lover’s garden with more than 1000 plant varieties in exuberantly planted borders with sculptures. There’s a collection of 150 hydrangeas and a wide choice of plants for sale.

When June to July for groups of between 15 and 40.  

DUNBHEAGAN, Westfield 

Relax and enjoy this space where the rare and unusual rub shoulders with the more recognisable plants in this ever-changing plantsman’s garden. There’s much to explore, with a riot of colour all summer.

When June to July for groups of 20+.  

HIGHVIEW HOUSE, Roughton

This two-acre garden has been designed and maintained by current owners over last 20 years. There are more than 12,000 plants to encourage wildlife and it’s Home of the National Collection of Salvia microphylla and relatives.  

When July to October for groups of between 20 and 80.

HOE HALL, Hoe, Dereham

The main visual here is a walled garden featuring a long white wisteria walk. Set in the grounds of a Georgian rectory and surrounded by parkland, the garden incorporates a wide variety of planting. 

When 15 May to June for groups of between 10 and 50.  

SOUTHGATE BARN, South Creake

New to the NGS, this 1.25-acre garden is full of interest and features a borrowed view. It’s been recently restored with abundant planting and colourful herbaceous borders.

When May to June for groups of between 6 and 12.  

VICARAGE HOUSE, Great Hockham

Developed over the past 35 years, this 6-acre garden includes a walled garden, gravel garden, sunken garden, cutting garden and small arboretum.  

When May to September for groups of between 10 and 40.  

Find booking details via https://ngs.org.uk/norfolk-by-arrangement/