Spring is in the air - great British gardens open their doors around the country this weekend

With less than a week to go before the clocks change - they go forward an hour on 29 March - there are definite signs of spring in gardens everywhere. There are daffodils in flower all over the country, blossom blooming and trees and shrubs are showing signs of spring growth as more green shoots emerge into the sunlight each day. After the many months of winter, this is a wonderful time to go garden visiting and many great gardens open their doors this weekend.

Great Dixter opens this weekend with its Spring Plant Fair on 28 and 29 March

Great Dixter throws open its doors this weekend with its Spring Plant Fair on Saturday and Sunday (28 and 29 March, 11.00-16.00 both days). Always worth a visit, but plant lovers will find many special treats at the fair this weekend and, if the weather's good, you might want to drop in at Emmetts Garden or take a detour to Godinton House in Kent to see the magnificent displays of daffodils and other spring flowers in bloom.

Daffodils as far as the eye can see at the Valley Gardens

Closer to London head to Valley Gardens, part of the Royal Landscape, to witness daffodils as far as the eye can see (above), or plan a visit to the Beth Chatto Gardens in Essex where there is already plenty in bloom and some magnificent spring blossoms.

Blossom blooming at the Beth Chatto Gardens in Essex

Vann also opens its doors for the season this weekend for a week of spring joy, with the garden open every day from 29 March to 4 April (10.00-18.00) and after that you can still visit this lovely garden on any Wednesday until July.

You'll find incredible magnolia displays at Borde Hill in West Sussex in springtime

Heading towards the south coast you've got a trio of magnificent spring gardens - all visitable in a day and each unique in its own way - Borde Hill, High Beeches and Nymans The magnolias at the first two will bowl you over if you visit soon! But wherever you visit this spring, part of the joy is the fact that winter is finally behind us.