THE “hidden gardens” of a country road with a range of lawns, courtyards and vegetable gardens will be opened to the public as part of a countrywide scheme.

The Hidden Gardens of Croft Road event will see four homeowners open their garden gates on Sunday, July 2, for the National Garden Scheme, including farmland and cottage gardens.

Gardens behind tall hedges surrounding Oxney Cottage, Nags Head Farm, Orchard Gardens and Oxney Flatts will be open between 1pm and 5pm to show off glass greenhouses, herbaceous borders and wildlife ponds.

All of the gardens lie along the A167 Croft Road leading out of Darlington towards Hurworth and Croft.

Homemade teas will be available at Oxney Flatts and Orchard Gardens and entry is £5 with children going free.

For more information, call 0191-3843842.