The National Garden Scheme is a charitable scheme that opens over 3,500 gardens in England and Wales every year, all special and 'secret' in their own right. Every year NGS gardens across England and Wales welcome over half a million visitors. Most of the 3,500 gardens are privately owned and are only open for a short time, so joining Chris Collins on his journey is a great way to see more of these hidden gems

In the first episode, Chris journeys to the south east to visit Hole Park, which joined the scheme in 1928. Divided into several rooms, the garden consists of woodland walks, broad lawns, the original eagle slayer statue and some evocative planting... as well as a hole in the middle!

Other secret gardens uncovered by Chris include Leyden's Garden in Kent, The Healing Garden and Ben's Acre in West Sussex, Cottage Farm in Kent, and Durrance Manor in West Sussex.