The chairman of the Devizes and Roundway in Bloom committee has appealed for local gardeners to open their gardens to the public as part of this year’s floral events.

Zena Robson said she and her colleagues had high hopes that this year’s open gardens would easily top last year’s.

She said: “Last year was our first go at a Devizes and Roundway open gardens weekend and although we chose the only weekend in June when it chucked it down, we still managed to raise £750 for the mayor’s charities and had a great time receiving visitors and seeing other people’s gardens.

“This year we are going to do the same again and hope for better weather.”

The event will be held on June 21-22 and the organisers hope to exceed last year’s total of more than 20 gardens taking part.

She said: “The open gardens are non-competitive; they take the place of the front and back garden judging that used to be done by Devizes and Roundway In Bloom local judges. Judging will still take place for residents wishing to enter a hanging basket or a planted container.

“In the meantime, we hope to add to our trail-blazing three gold medals in a row for the RHS South-West In Bloom competition.”

People are invited to call Elanor Oddy at the town hall on (01380) 722160 or email inbloom@devizes-tc.gov.uk The deadline is April 4.

People are also invited to join the In Bloom committee.