Easter is a golden time at High Beeches Gardens, Handcross, where visitors can admire the woodland garden's daffodil field of hope.

The field commemorating lost loved ones will be in full bloom, as will other early spring flowering magnolias and many small species of rhododendron.

High Beeches, which is Grade II-listed in the English Heritage register of parks and gardens, dates from the early 20th century.

Planted originally by Colonel Loder, the gardens now cover 20 acres and contain varied and extensive plant collections in a natural landscape setting.

Among its plants, High Beeches holds the national collection of stewartia, the beautiful deciduous flowering trees of the camellia family.

There are also 15 large specimens of different species of oaks and the gardens received the certificate of cultural commendation from the Royal Horticultural Society for its gentians.

There are plants from Asia, New Zealand, Chile and North America.

Early May is bluebell time and this native will be carpeting the open glades with the sweet-scented loderi hybrid rhododendrons, the Chilean fire-bush and other spring flowers.

From May 2 to 7 at 1pm, the gardens will mark its Chinese plant week, a celebration of the plants now grown in this country that have their origin in China.

These include rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias.

And on Monday, May 7, the gardens will be open from 11am in support of Perennial, the charity for those who have worked in horticulture, and their spouses and partners.

Admission £5.50.

Details on 01444 400589.

Website: www.highbeeches.com