Raveningham Gardens is set to open for the snowdrop season - and the money raised will go to help a wonderful Norwich cause, as Derek James reports.

It is a name we know so well. A special place which looks after its patients with such tender, loving care.

I am talking about Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich, a wonderful centre for specialist palliative care.

All of us – and that includes me – who have had any dealings with the lodge will understand what I mean.

Now you can help it carry on its good work in so many different ways, by celebrating the arrival of spring.

Raveningham Gardens opens for the snowdrop season from Sunday February 13 to Friday March 4.

The hall is the home of Sir Nicholas and Lady Bacon. It was Sir Nicholas' mother, Priscilla Bacon, who added snowdrops to the garden.

Lady Bacon died in the centre to which she gave her name in 2000. In 1977, she had been president of the Norfolk appeal to raise �250,000 to build the home in the grounds of Colman Hospital.

Throughout her life, Lady Bacon, the widow of former Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk Sir Edmund Bacon, played a leading role in Norfolk life.

She was also an expert gardener building up a business to make sure the gardens paid for themselves.

The 18th century walled kitchen garden with its large glasshouses will be open and visitors will also be able to enjoy views across the new lake established at the turn of the millennium and the contemporary sculpture in the gardens.

Drifts of snowdrops in the main garden will be on display daily from 11am to 4pm, weekdays, and 2pm to 4pm on Sundays. The gardens are closed on Saturdays.

Admission is �4 for adults, concessions �3.50 and children under 16 are free. Tea and homemade cakes are served on Sundays and sunny days and money raised goes to Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

Raveningham Gardens (NR14 6NS) is 10 miles south east of Norwich, signposted off the A146 at Hales, then B1136. You can click on www.raveningham.com