FOUR acres of inspiration are open to the public on four weekends through the summer. This is Lewis Cottage near Spreyton, open under the NGS (National Garden Scheme) to raise funds for a number of charities.

Lewis Cottage has been home to Michael and Penny Pell and their friend, Richard Orton for 25 years, during which time they have developed the gardens that had become a passion for each of them.

After opening for their local garden club, they were very proud to be asked if they would consider opening in aid of the NGS in 2012.

They had agreed to open in May, but in December 2011, Michael received what he thought was a huge kick in the back by a large animal, maybe a deer - but it had been a vascular spinal stroke.

In hospital for three weeks, then returning home with a Zimmer frame, Michael came through the dark days, realising he would have to find different ways to do things.

The effects of the stroke will be with him for life, he no longer gardens at the same speed nor in the same way which means he notices things happening in the gardens that he might have missed before.

They have set up a small plant nursery based on plants that can grow at Lewis Cottage, sharing information with their visitors.

Michael adds that he never realised when they said they would open for the NGS how much being part of that organisation would help him to overcome the stroke.

No-one now would realise what had happened to him as he and Richard welcome visitors, Penny being in charge of the charming Tea Shed with its magnificent choice of quiches and cakes.

At Lewis Cottage visitors will find informal planting as well as more formal areas, plenty of places to stop and sit, listen to the birds or trace an intriguing scent.

People who have visited before will find some changes. One of these is at the Dew Pond.

Two winters ago the natural bank at the bridge end was breached - a disaster for many but not this trio who took the chance to re-design an area that had been a bit of a problem with the new bridge being fashioned from the old one.

Written explanations of what was done and how and what is planned are found pinned to the bridge, plus the planting plan which will be a show for next year.

The Rose Garden Parterre, created in 2015 from the former vegetable patch is coming into its own. There is a fun use of different planters such as growing carrots in old wheelbarrows and a host more neat ideas to take away.

The gardens were open over the Bank Holiday weekend and will be again on June 24 and 25, July 22 and 23 and August 19 and 20, each time for the NGS. There is plenty of car parking space and well behaved dogs on leads can visit.

Last year the National Garden Scheme donated £2.7 million to a number of charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, Queen’s Nursing Institute, Perennial, Horatio’s Garden, Parkinson’s UK and the MS Society. For full details visit www.ngs.org,uk .

Sue Read