Nick and Jane Baker's superb Clayton garden has been featured on BBC Gardeners' World and in Sussex Life and has had superb displays of snowdrops and winter-flowering shrubs.

And they are opening up their garden in the morning of March 13 from 11am-5pm in aid of the National Gardens Scheme to give visitors a chance to see the hellebores and camellias.

Jane said their Christmas Day flower count had exceeded 70 this year.

They were then hit but sub-zero temperatures and frost, she said, but the garden was now picking up again.

She said: "The success of our informal country garden depends not only on its flowers but on the shape, form and foliage of the carefully chosen planting. Depending on the vagaries of the season, winter-flowering shrubs, hellebores and drifts of snowdrops are usually at their best February.

"Over a long period, the hellebores are a great source of joy, with each individual flower asking to be turned up and admired.

"Winding paths give a choice of garden walks, with views to the South Downs and countryside."

There are lot of seats and secret places, and much development work since last year. Visitors are also welcome by appointment in February only, for groups of 15 or more on 01273 84287.

More information is available from the website www.pemburyhouse.co.uk.