THE last of the Italian flowerbeds are being prepared, the bushes pruned and the grass cut for the gardens of Easton Lodge’s first seasonal opening day of 2011.

With the scent of blossom on the light spring breezes, the open day will provide the perfect opportunity to blow away the last of the winter cobwebs and get set for the prospect of sunny days to come.

It will also give the many visitors expected to pass through the gates on Sunday the first taste of the progress that has been made at the gardens since last summer through the regular gardening sessions for local people with an interest in seeing the Gardens restored to their former glory.

A well-stocked plant stall will be in place for the afternoon with a range of plants tempting visitors to recreate a little of the magic of the estate so beloved of Daisy, Countess of Warwick in their own gardens. Meanwhile, a new gazebo donated by Brian and Nora Royden-Hall will be erected for the provision of refreshments by the croquet lawn pending the construction in coming months of a new pavilion granted planning permission just last week.

Those who want a taste of what’s in store before the opening are invited to visit the brand new Gardens of Easton Lodge website sponsored by Business Link and designed by Creative Co-op at eastonlodge.co.uk. The new site will allow people to follow progress in the gardens through the blogs, check on the events programme, sign up for news and much more.

Commenting on the progress, trustee Jim Boutwood said: “We’re really moving forward with our programme of regular openings and towards our long term goal of restoration of the gardens. We are delighted that we’ve had so much support from the community on so many fronts. Sunday’s opening will be the first opportunity we’ll have to say thank you to those who’ve given us their support – and to demonstrate to a wider audience just why we’re so committed to our goal.”

Open this Sunday (17 April) from noon until 6pm (last entry at 5pm), adults �2.50 and children free of charge. As usual, homemade cakes and soups will be on sale, with hot and cold drinks.

More information about getting involved as a volunteer, trustee or friend of the gardens is available on the website or by e-mailing enquiries@eastonlodge.co.uk or leaving a message on 01371 876979.