THE final open garden in County Durham this season will take place this weekend.

Keen gardeners Caroline and Jonathan Peacock will open their private garden at Ravensford Farm on Sunday, August 31, as part of the National Garden Scheme.

They bought their home nearly 30 years ago when it was in ruins, and have spent decades planting and pruning to create their flowery haven in Hamsterley.

Mrs Peacock said: “When we bought the house there was no garden here, just one apple tree that’s still here now. Everything was planted by us and we have quite a range of interesting shrubs and a number of late flowering perennial plants.

“We have held the open garden for a lot of years but we had to take two years off so we have not been open for the last three years.

“We really enjoy them very much, it’s just nice to be able to share the garden. It’s a lot of hard work but we are really looking forward to Sunday.”

Of particular note is a newly installed sculpture from local artist Graeme Hopper, who will also be at the open garden on Sunday.

The National Garden Scheme opens thousands of outstanding gardens throughout England and Wales to raise money for nursing and caring charities.

The garden at Ravensford Farm will be open between 2pm and 5pm and entry costs £4 for adults, which includes tea and home baked cakes. Entry for children is free, and flowering plants will be available to buy on the day.