IF Chelsea flower show has inspired the gardener in you then a trip to Chalford and France Lynch is a must this weekend as villagers proudly show their gardens.

53 gardens will be open to tempt any budding Monty Don or Alan Titchmarsh.

Ashley Loveridge and Kirstie Trueman took a peek at a sample of the gardens which will be open and found the gardening fraternity have done a sterling job...

Our first garden preview was at the home of Mrs Jane Calvert an avid gardener and secretary of the Chalford and France Lynch garden trail.

Jane has lived at Little Oaks in France Lynch for the past 13 years. "Gardening changes year to year. "It is very emotional - one day something maybe eaten and that can be mortifying," said Jane.

This year Jane, our guide for the day, has been particularly pleased with her delphiniums.

"They are going to be really good," she said. " The recent dry spell has helped as no slugs have been in evidence to ruin them."

Our next stop was Creeds Cottage owned by Janet Gaskell. This garden also in France Lynch is adorned with rambling roses and a pretty archway.

"All gardens are different and that is the beauty of the trail," said Jane. Garden three on our mini tour found us at the aptly named The Elements as threatening rain clouds gathered over Chalford Hill.

This stunning garden owned by Peter and Judy Ashcroft was full of soft pink colours and very much influenced by Judy.

"I love pink and sweet peas," she said. "The garden has taken 18 years to get to this stage and has been a lot of work," said Judy.

France Corner at Chalford Hill is owned by Aubrey and Jean Watson and is certainly a spot for a well earned rest. It is one of the gardens which will be offering teas on site. This garden features a Laburnum walk, pond, herbs and plenty of seats.

As our tour neared its finale we were led to The Old Duke of York which as it name suggests was once a pub.

This garden is set on different levels and is owned by Nigel Paterson. Magnolia's and a collection of vintage lawn mowers add to the colour of this maturing garden.

The Glen situated at Rack Hill brought a collective gasp with its visually stunning adornment of purple and white sweet rocket, yellow lupins and a lily pond full of rare newts and tadpoles.

The scene is now set for a glorious weekend of garden splendour.

*The trail starts on Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon until 6pm. Other attractions include a flower festival at the Baptist Tabernacle and a slide show of Old Chalford by Mike Mills on both afternoons.

The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Landrover will also be available to anyone who would like a lift up or down the valley.

It will pick up from Chalford Hill School at quarter past and quarter to the hour and on the hour at Chalford Chairs and at Three Groves at half past the hour.

All proceeds from the open gardens weekend will go to Eastcombe Guides and Scouts, Frith Youth Group and Gloucestershire Widlife Trust.

For further information contact Sue Smith on 01453 882127.