Venues across the Test Valley are preparing for spring with a variety of events.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is holding a plant walk on Saturday March 18.

This is a chance to be guided through the garden to discover endangered plants that Hilliers help to protect through its conservation programme.

On the same day, there is a luxury chocolate-making workshop run by professional chocolatiers from Chocolate Craft.

Learn the skill of Lino Printing on Sunday March 26 from 10am to 4pm. 

National Trust property Mottisfont comes into its own in spring. The famous national collection of roses starts to emerge in May, particularly wall-climbing varieties.

The centenary of artist Norman Thelwell is the subject of an art exhibition coming to the country house until May 7. Thelwell is one of Britain's most popular cartoonists, known for his trademark ponies.

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Houghton Lodge Gardens near Stockbridge is celebrating its 230th anniversary. 

It is a Grade II listed 'Cottage Orné' surrounded by mature trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the river. 

The gardens officially open on Saturday April 1, but there will be special openings on March 18 and 19 so that visitors can view the swathes of daffodils and rare scilla.

The new Oriental Garden will be opened in May, and visitors will be able to see its cherry orchard, acer walk, rose garden, stream, Torii arch, Moongate and Japanese bridge, as well as new water-loving marginal plants growing on the banks of the pond and island. 

Tours of the 18th century house will take place throughout the year and a new guidebook for the house and gardens will be launched as part of the anniversary.

The award-winning family theme park, Paultons Park, is staging an Easter event for families, Hoppy Easter, from April 1-16.

For more information about spring events in the Test Valley visit: testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/tourism/places-to-visit.