GARDENERS will come up smelling of roses when they throw open the gates of their plots to the public at Uphampton, near Ombersley this weekend.

Visitors will be able to explore 11 gardens packed with shrubs and flowers, set against a backdrop of half-timbered buildings dating back to the 17th Century, for the 14th village open gardens.

Worcester's St Richard's Hospice is set to benefit from the fund-raiser this Sunday, from 2pm to 6pm.

Villagers will be manning a flower and plant stall and inviting visitors to try their hands at a giant version of wooden game Jenga.

One gardener and craftsman has built a Tudor-style birdhouse, which will be raffled to raise cash for the Rose Hill hospice, off London Road. Tea and cakes will be sold in the farmyard of Uphampton House.

"We were really disappointed that last year's event had to be called off due to foot-and-mouth, and it was felt a special effort should be made this summer," said Steve Crossland, spokesman.

"As a consequence, more people have come forward and asked for their gardens to be included in the scheme.

"They're all splendid, and begging to be explored."

Entry to all 11 gardens, which are within a short walk of each other, costs £3.