It's garden time in Dartmouth and Dittisham over the next two weeks.

In Dartmouth, six gardens and an allotment are being opened up to the public for a new garden safari.

In Dittisham, another six home owners are throwing open their gardens to the public.

The Dartmouth 'safari' event in aid of the RNLI follows on from a similar successful event in aid of the same lifesaving charity which went ahead in the town in 2010.

It will be taking place on Saturday, July 27, from 11am to 5pm at gardens in the Clarence Hill, Fair view Road, Churchfields and Townstal Road areas of the town.

There will be refreshments on offer on the way around and maps covering the route are available from Dartmouth's Tourist Information Centre. The maps cost £5, which includes the admission charge.

The safari as been organised by businessman Chris Scorer – whose own garden in Clarence Hill, Dartmouth, is included in the trail – in conjunction with the RNLI.

He said that the 2010 safari had attracted lots of people, even though it had gone ahead in the rain.

Tomorrow and Sunday, the Dittisham gardens – from traditional to modern styles – will be opening from 2pm to 6pm.

Admission also costs £5 and the cash will go to charities supported by the National Gardens Scheme, which has donated £22m over the last 10 years to nursing, caring and gardening charities.

The event includes cream teas, a craft exhibition and plant sale at the village hall.

Village signs will be up directing visitors to a special garden tour car park where they will be able to get maps directing them to the open gardens.

There will also be a free bus shuttle service from the car park to the village hall.

On Sunday, July 28, Crieff Lodge in Clarence Hill, Dartmouth, will be open to the public in aid of the Dystonia Society, a small charity supporting people with the neurological condition.

Refreshments and cakes will be available from 11am to 5pm. The entrance fee is £2.50.