From grand country estates to small town gardens, the Norfolk National Gardens Scheme gives everyone a glimpse of gardens with a difference.

And the key to them all is the yellow guide – unveiled yesterday by cartoonist and sculptor Annie Tempest at Hoveton, signalling the start of the garden-visiting season.

She was joined by the owners of the 65 gardens opening this year, which include the Tudor Elsing Hall near Dereham, a finalist in the England's Favourite House competition, complete with working moat and classic rose gardens.

Anthea Foster, Norfolk county organiser, said: 'This year we have the greatest variety and quality of gardens I can remember for some time. We are very fortunate in Norfolk to have so many loyal and generous visitors to our gardens, who, together with our dedicated garden owners, last year managed to raise a magnificent £75,000 for the nursing and caring charities we support.'

The Norfolk NGS 2013 Guide is available from tourist information centres, libraries and garden centres or at www.ngs.org.uk