GARDENERS are being urged to open their gardens for other people to enjoy and to raise money for nursing, gardening and caring charities.

Already more than 3,500 garden owners across England and Wales share their gardens to help raise money for the National Gardens Scheme and are featured in the annual book for garden visitors affectionately called the Yellow Book.

The famous Yellow Book, previously known as Gardens of England and Wales Open for Charity, has a new look and a new name for 2005. Known for so long as the Yellow Book, it has now adopted its familiar name as the title of the new edition.

Judy Berrow, county organiser for Worcestershire, described what happens if a gardener is interested in taking part.

She said: "One of the Worcestershire team will visit to assess the garden and have a chat about all that's entailed. Assessment is just to ensure that the garden is well maintained and there is at least three-quarters of an hour interest for the visitor."

She added: "Many people travel long distances and we like to think they will take home happy memories of your garden. We also check for poisonous plants such as hogweed which is very dangerous and has to be roped off and to make sure paths are not inaccessible or dangerous and steep banks can be dealt with."

Mrs Berrow said visitors liked nothing better than to sit in the ambience of a beautiful garden and drink their tea with home-made cake and maybe buy a plant to take home as a memento. To meet the owner and discuss their favourite subject was all part of the day out for the visitor.

"It's surprising when you decide to open how many friends are willing to help and enjoy being part of the experience," Mrs Berrow said. "At the end of an exhausting day it's a wonderful feeling to think you have had the opportunity not only to share your garden with like -minded people but also to have raised money for such a worthy cause."