A HUGE country garden will be thrown open to the public this weekend to raise cash for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust.

The garden, at the home of Sir Michael and Lady Perry, aims to raise cash for Acorns' Three Counties Appeal for a new unit earmarked for Bath Road.

The two-and-a-half acre garden, at Bridges Stone Mill, in Alfrick Pound, has taken its owners 20 years to create.

It includes extensive planting, a courtyard, ponds and streams that blend into the backdrop of the Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve sited behind the garden.

"It's a personal garden based very much on our ideas for colour schemes and planting," said Lady Perry.

"Structure, shapes and spaces are all important in creating a garden and I think we've achieved our dream of a garden which blends seamlessly with its background.

"The carefully planned layout of lawns, paths, terraces and flower-beds has been designed to provide all-year-round colour and interest, with extensive planting reflecting the full diversity of a traditional English garden.

"In the last 18 months we have introduced lots of wild flowers and these have attracted plenty of birds and butterflies."

Professional gardeners Julian Dowell, who scooped an award at this year's Chelsea Flower Show and John Cunningham, who has designed gardens across the world, have both been involved in the development of the Perry's garden.

The garden will be open between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday. Teas and refreshments will be available and there will also be a plant stall and home-made jams and cakes on sale.

Entrance to the event is by a donation, with the minimum £4.

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