Finishing touches are being put to two fabulous Halesowen gardens to prepare them to open to the public.

First to throw open the garden gate will be Peter Bridgens and Michael King at 13, Landsdowne Road, Hurst Green.

Their mature patch - packed with Himalayan blue poppies and candelabra primulas and also boasting a pink tree in full bloom - will open as part of the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday (June 19) and on Sunday July 17 from 2.30pm until 5.30pm.

Admission will cost £3.50 and proceeds will go to National Gardens Scheme cancer charities.

Meanwhile, green-fingered enthusiasts Anne and Ron Kerr are preparing to open their garden at 20, Waxland Road, on Sunday June 26 for the 13th year running to raise cash for Stourbridge's Mary Stevens Hospice.

Last year the couple's open day raised more than £900 for the charity - and they are hoping to be able to donate even more this year.

Features of their garden include waterfalls cascading over rocks into ponds set within a woodland area.

A path also meanders through the trees back to the lawn and patio - and there is a hidden area with greenhouses, vegetable plots, asparagus beds, mixed borders and a hen coop.

Mr Kerr said: “We would be delighted if as many people as possible could stop by on June 26 and lend their support to the Mary Stevens Hospice, while enjoying the enchanting and peaceful environment we have worked so hard to create.”

Laura Millard, community engagement officer for the hospice, said: "It really is a stunning sanctuary that they’ve created and we hope to see lots of people there to help us raise money for the local families who rely on the support and care of the hospice.”

Entrance to the garden will cost £3 per adult and visitors will also be able to buy tea, cake, plants and home-made jams.