Flower-lovers can expect a tour with a boost this Sunday at the Old Town Open Gardens Day.

Nestling among the flower-beds in one of the 10 gardens open this weekend is a rocket, says festival organiser Linda Kasmaty.

“It’s quite a big one – eight feet!” she said.

But the rocket isn’t the only attraction on offer when the gardens open to the public at midday.

“This year we’ve got nine private gardens and one public garden – a secret garden in Queen’s Park,” Linda said.

“All of the gardens are within walking distance, if you’re reasonably fit.”

The Old Town Brewery will be open to the public – with owners Clare and David Bugg opening the doors to their garden, as well as offering punters the chance to tour the brewery and sample their beers.

And after a long afternoon touring the best of Old Town’s gardens, people can enjoy a cream tea and plant sale at Queen’s Park.

The generous garden owners are hoping to raise money for three good causes: Swindon and Marlborough Amnesty, Pipers Way Residents’ Association and Zimbabwean Health Education Sustainability Trust, which was set up by Gardens Day organiser Mutsai Hove Bird.

The £5 ticket, which buys entry to the gardens, will go towards these charities. Although the organisers haven’t set a target for their fundraising efforts, they are hoping to raise as much as possible.

Linda said: “We haven’t got a figure in mind, but we’re hoping to raise a lot.”

It’s now a race to get the gardens ready in time for the weekend. “Hopefully the gardens will look super,” Linda said. “We’ve had strong winds recently, slugs and even drought.”

Old Town artist David Bent and his wife Carole are opening their Marlborough Lane garden for the first time. “Swindon has got some incredibly beautiful places,” Carole said. “We’re just happy to take part and open our garden in support of some really amazing charities.”

As well as a pond that’s home to dragonflies, fish and frogs, the couple’s garden boasts one unusual feature: an old Cold War spy rocket.

Carole said: “Some robins nested in it last year. They had a brood of baby robins up at the top!”

Tickets for the Old Town Open Gardens Day cost £5 for adults, children free. They can be bought from Old Town Hardware, Wood Street, or MI Earle Newsagents, Newport Street. For more, visit www.facebook.com/oldtownopengardens.

Old Town Open Gardens Day takes place on Sunday from noon to 5.30pm.