HERBACEOUS borders, grass terraces, formal gardens and vegetable gardens are just some of the sites open to the public this weekend in Cranborne.

More than 20 gardens will be open to visitors from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, including the famous Cranborne Manor gardens, originally designed by John Tradescant in the 17th century, and the wonderful 18th century Number 10 Castle Street (formerly Cranborne Lodge).

A number of elegant period and modern homes and much-loved cottage gardens are also joining the event.

Highlights of the many gardens opening include:

* Cranborne Manor Gardens: designed by John Tradescant in the early 17th century, the structure follows a pattern of ‘rooms’, delineated by hedges or walls and softened by billowing herbaceous borders.

* The Garden Room at Cranborne Garden Centre: The new Garden Room at Cranborne Garden Centre will be unveiling the newly laid out garden, designed by local and garden designer Jenny Noscoe and the team of gardeners at the garden centre.

* Number 10 Castle Street: this imposing 18th century country house boasts a magnificent formal garden with a series of grass terraces rising gently from the house. Borders are planted with shrubs, old roses and herbaceous plants. (Open Sunday only.)

* Red Lion House: a delightful private garden which is chemical-free and uses the principles of bio-dynamic horticulture. The herbaceous borders, rose, herb and vegetable gardens are designed to reflect the local environment. There are also a number of modern sculptures.

* Manor View House: this wonderful lateGeorgian house boasts a beautiful walled garden, with a mass of repeat planting surrounding variegated standard hollies; deep borders are planted with a mixture of shrubs, perennials and roses.

* The Old Vicarage: a mature garden with views to the church and Cranborne Manor. A natural swimming pond provides a habitat for wild life.

* Bank House: an Edwardian small walled garden with a vine, herbaceous plantings, roses, shrubs and climbing plants.

* Chase Cottage: featuring a huge mulberry tree, colourful mixed borders and a delightful garden studio displaying textile works.

* Cranborne Allotments: tilled since the early part of the 19th century, these 24 plots are a wonderful example of local endeavour, perched with views over the rooftops, church spire and rolling fields.

In addition to the open gardens there will be a number of special events throughout the weekend, including an exhibition at Cranborne Garden Centre featuring work by six acclaimed local artists; a flower festival in the church; Cranborne Fete stalls located in gardens around the village; musical events and Maypole Dancing.

A range of refreshments including lunches and teas will be available in the village including at the Café at Cranborne Garden Centre, the village pubs (The Inn at Cranborne and The Sheaf of Arrows), at the Village Hall and in some of the open gardens.

The event is being held in aid of church funds and tickets are priced £8 for adults, children free, no dogs. Free parking