AN English Lady's dream garden created by two of Britain's top designers is to open its gates for a county children's charity.

The remarkable two-and-a-half acre garden at Bridges Stone Mill, Alfrick Pound, is the result of 20 year's planting and design by owners Sir Michael and Lady Perry.

Helped by professional gardeners Julian Dowell, who won a silver gilt award at this year's Chelsea Flower Show and John Cunningham, who has worked with well-known garden designers internationally, Sir Michael and Lady Perry will show off their grounds to the public on Sunday, July 21, and raise funds for Acorns Children's Hospice.

Lady Perry describes her English country garden, laid out along the banks of Leigh Brook around idyllic ponds and streams, as her dream garden.

"It's structural and based very much on our ideas for colour schemes and planting. Structure, shapes and spaces are all important in creating a garden and I think we have achieved our dream," she said.

Lawns, paths, terraces and flowerbeds provide a year round show and are set off by the wooded Knapp Nature Reserve beyond the brook.

"Extensive planting reflects the full diversity of a traditional English country garden. In the last 18 months we have introduced lots of wild flowers and these have attracted plenty of birds and butterflies. There are also kingfishers in residence along the brook," added Lady Perry.

The garden will be open from 2pm to 5pm on July 21. Teas and refreshments will be available and plants and home made jams and cakes will be on sale.

All proceeds will go to the Three Counties Appeal to raise funds for a new hospice for life-limited children in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

Bridges Stone Mill is located off the Smith End Green to Alfrick Pound Road, off the Bransford and Bank House Hotel roundabout on the A4103 Worcester to Hereford Road.