THE sweet scent of successful gardening is prevalent in the hidden plots of Plympton St Maurice, opening to the public as part of the village's annual Midsummer Festival.

These hidden treasures within a stone's throw of the 12th century Plympton Castle, all unique in their style, size and history, are testament to their owners' dedication, hard work and expertise.

Joan and Colin Simmons have lived in their 200-year-old house for the past 33 years. Their garden is planted with old cottage flowers such as Gertrude Jekyll roses, astrantia, sweet rocket, campanula and day lilies.

Keen gardener Joan, said: "We like old roses because of the perfume and prefer the flowers to grow in together.

"I like it down in the corner of the garden where I've got a small rocking seat under the shade of the lilac tree."

Fore Street resident Freddie Mills is proud of the history surrounding the houses which were built with long strip gardens. He said: "We are conscious of the antiquity of the gardens. We are all most aware of our predecessors toiling the same patch of soil over the past 800 years."

A kaleidoscope of colours can be found in Freddie's garden, ranging from delphiniums, roses, clematis and peonies to irises and lupins. Stag horn fern, bamboo and honesty are just some of the plants on display in this showpiece of a garden.

Actinidia Kolomikta, fireworks clematis, corokia (cornaceae), climbing hydrangea and Chinese rose are just a handful of delights present in Jenny Mercer's garden. She said: "I like the herbaceous borders and a planted area with driftwood which I make sure looks nice from the kitchen window."

"There are two acer trees which are nice, they make a nice background for the flowers that come up in the summer," she added.

Sally and David Luscombe, residents of Fore Street, have lived in their property for the past 31 years. David was actually born in Fore Street.

An avid gardener, Sally, a member of the Hardy Plant Society, swaps seeds between members.

She said: "I like having the stream at the back. We have a little bridge so people can come and go.

"I really like my veg patch, it's lovely to go down and pick the fresh herbs and veg."

As well as a greenhouse, pond and an old privvy, arisaema, pappava atlanticum, dierama cooperii, a deep, deep, purple iris and clematis, are just a few examples of the plants exhibited in this impressive garden.

Another Fore Street garden was converted last year by owner Duncan Bray who discovered a well which could date back to Tudor or possibly Medieval times.

He has created borders with railway sleepers, now full of flora and fauna thanks to the help of his neighbours.

Duncan said: "My house dates back to 1572. Rather than re-cover the well, we wanted people to see it and enjoy it.

"There was also a huge walnut tree that we reluctantly decided to take down. We knocked through the kitchen window and have built a mezzanine and decking."

Mainstone House, home to Nick and Wendy Evans, has a tiered garden to the rear of the property. Pots and borders are filled with acer, azalea, bay, hostas, there is also a water feature, patio areas for sitting back and admiring the garden and a climbing clematis.

Behind the facade of a Georgian House in Fore Street, lies a landscaped garden complete with pond, summerhouse, vegetable garden, lawns and chickens. Owners for the past 25 years, Paul and Charmian Evans, have turned what once was a muddy field for horses into a grand garden.

Charmian said: "My favourite part of the garden is the summerhouse because I can look right down the garden. The joy of my garden is that when we moved here it was just a muddy field. We are continuing to create it."

This glorious garden is home to traditional roses such as a David Austin rose , albertine and wedding dress. Jasmine, hairy palm, lily of the valley, delphiniums, lupins, cornflowers and poppies, add colour and scent.

The community of Plympton St Maurice are opening their conservation village, complete with siege mound and castle, with entertainment and amusement for the whole family.

The three-day festival, from Friday June 19 until Sunday June 21, will include the ever-popular historic Lamb Feast, sponsored by Plymouth Co-op, on Saturday, June 20.

Otter Nurseries, sponsors of the open garden day on Sunday, June 21 from 2pm, are giving away 100 hand tools to people visiting the open gardens on presentation of entry tickets on a first come, first served basis.

Charmian added: "Otter Nurseries could not have been more helpful. They have contributed wooden tubs, flowers and hanging baskets for the village."

Tickets for the hidden gardens are £2, available from the Guildhall. Other activities over the course of the weekend include tug of war, games for children and an opportunity to walk through some of the houses – dated by Channel 4's Time Team to the 13th Century.