They’re back – those tentative signs of spring, snowdrops. It’s early in the season, but here’s where you can see them popping up this month with the National Garden Scheme, which raises funds for nursing charities.

Knowle Hill Farm, Ulcombe

Two acres of lush gardens, created on a south-facing slope of the North Downs, at Knowle Hill Farm near Maidstone, has some views to die for.

The property in Ulcombe has snowdrops and hellebores, china roses, agapanthus, verbenas, salvias and grasses. Lavender ribbons hum with bees and there is a small walled white garden and a new green garden almost complete.

The garden will be open under the National Garden Scheme on Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4, between 11am and 3pm. Admission is £5 with children free and refreshments available, in aid of All Saints Church in Ulcombe.

The garden will also be open later in the year, on Sunday, July 15 between 2pm and 5.30pm. For details visit knowlehillfarmgarden.co.uk

Yew Tree Cottage, Penshurst

This small, romantic cottage garden with a steep hillside entrance has lots of seats and secret corners, plus some unusual plants and special perennials, as well as a small pond. It will open on Sunday, February 18 and again on Wednesday, February 28. Admission is £3, with children free, and light refreshments available. Call 01892 870689 for more details.

Mere House, Mereworth

The six-acre 19th century landscape has been completely replanted since 1958. There are increasing areas of snowdrops and daffodils in the spring and extensive lawns with herbaceous borders, ornamental shrubs and trees with year-round foliage. It will be open to visitors on Sunday, February 18 and Sunday, February 25.

Admission is £5, with children free and refreshments in aid of Mereworth Church. Details at mere-house.co.uk

Doddington Place, Sittingbourne

The 10-acre garden, with its views and woodland with azaleas and rhododendrons has a recently renovated Edwardian rock garden and a new gothic folly. It opens between 11am and 4pm on Sunday, February 18. Admission is £7, with children £2. Call 01795 886101, email enquiries@doddingtonplacegdns.co.uk or visit doddingtonplacegardens.co.uk.

Copton Ash, Faversham

A garden which has grown out of a love and fascination with plants, Copton Ash contains a collection of rarities and newly introduced species raised from wild seed. There are also woodland flowers, snowdrops and hellebores with flowering trees and a small alpine nursery. It will be open on Sunday, February 18 between noon and 4pm. Admission is £4, with children free and homemade soup available. For more information you can call the owners on 01795 535919, email coptonash@yahoo.co.uk or go to coptonash.plus.com