It?s that time of year again ? when the 2006 Bermuda Open Houses & Gardens kicks off today in Devonshire with a showing of three beautiful waterfront properties.

They are Surf Song at 19 Rocky Bay Lane, Rosapenna at 6 Devon Point Lane and Decks Awash at 29 Devon Point Lane are the houses that will be open to the public. In addition, former premier David Saul and wife Christine who will open their gardens at 18 Devonshire Bay Road.

On the following Wednesday, May 3, the emphasis will be on traditional Bermudian building methods with three homes and a glorious garden being open in Warwick Parish. A lime kiln and a dry stone wall in course of construction will be on view along with a commentary from skilled local craftsman Larry Mills.

?All the houses will be filled with floral arrangements and expert guides will be on hand in the gardens,? said Diana Chudleigh of the Garden Club of Bermuda which runs the event. The open house tour continues on successive Wednesday afternoons until May 17 and offers the opportunity to peek into private homes and gardens that are only open for this one occasion for charity. Proceeds from the event go towards horticultural scholarships and civic projects such as the Buy Back Bermuda campaign to which the club contributed $20,000 last year.

The focus will move to historic Salt Kettle on Wednesday May 10 when four homes will be open. On the last week, Wednesday, May 17, St. Mark?s Church in Smith?s Parish will be filled with spectacular floral decorations as will its former rectory, Mount Hope, whilst in contrast a house in nearby Pokiok will be decorated with Japanese style Ikebana arrangements.

The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and entry to all the houses and gardens each week is $25. Tickets are available only at the venue.