Daffodil heaven at Godinton House, Kent as NGS Yellow Book launches for 2012

First view of the sea of daffodils from the walled garden at Godinton

I don't know whether I'm seeing things, but it seems there are more daffodils this year than ever before! Parks and public spaces are full of them, as are the hedgerows, and nothing brings spring closer than seeing those yellow and white heads bobbing in the wind. But if you want a day out that will really make you see yellow, head for Godinton this weekend, which is open for the NGS on Sunday (2.00-5.30), and you'll be absolutely astounded!

Part of the charm of Godinton is the fine Jacobean House, which overlooks the gardens

Today also marks the launch of the National Gardens Scheme "Yellow Book",  which lists the thousands of gardens around England that open for charity during 2012. There are more than 3,700 properties listed by county, and owners choose when to open to showcase their gardens at their best, with funds going to the charities that the NGS supports, including Macmillan, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices, Cross Roads Care, The Queen's Nursing Institute and Perennial.

The garden at Godinton covers 12 acres, and at other times of year, it's the walled garden that draws visitors, with its champion collections of delphiniums in June (open for NGS on Friday 22 June 11.00-20.00). The garden is open daily (2.30-5.00) from now to the end of October and admission is £5.00. Other features include the Italian garden and spectacular roses later in the season.