THE Friends of Salisbury Cathedral are inviting the public to its Secret Gardens of the Close event on Sunday, 28th May.

There will be nine gardens open around Salisbury Cathedral Close, showcasing a host of beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees.

These are private gardens, so this is a rare opportunity to step beyond the garden gate, said Friends’ chairman, Duncan Glass.

“We are eagerly awaiting the end of May when we hold our flagship event, which is made possible by the generosity of residents of the Cathedral Close who kindly open their beautiful gardens for us,” he said.

“The Friends’ charity is the cathedral’s fan club and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our Secret Gardens of the Close event, safe in the knowledge that the money raised from ticket sales will fund important maintenance and preservation work at our wonderful medieval masterpiece.”

Tea and cake will be available in the Bishop’s garden at South Canonry and there will be an exhibition of botanical art in Sarum College.

This artwork will be for sale, along with cards and the book Secret Gardens of the Close, produced by Salisbury Florilegium Society and features paintings by its members.

The event runs from 1pm to 5pm and the entry fee is £10 per person (under 16s free), payable on the day at the tent on Choristers’ Green.