Magic garden gates close after 10 years

But Bob Park and Greg Kowalczuk – the gardeners behind the slice of paradise in Wolverhampton – have now marked the end of an era.

The pair have closed the gate to the public on their beauty spot at 43 Broad Lane in Bradmore after 10 years.

And with that they can be proud after raising almost £45,000 for charity in that time and attracting hundreds of visitors to the property.

Around 400 people came to view the wonders of their garden for the final time and in the process help raise cash for Diabetes UK.

In the past Mr Parker and Mr Kowalczuk, a maintenance man at a number of nursing homes, have helped Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

"It was the poor weather we have had that made our mind up to no longer open to the public," said Mr Kowalczuk, aged 49.

He added: "You could never guarantee it would be any good and with the size of our garden you can't walk around with an umbrella and there's not enough room for a gazebo.

"It was also the fact that the heavy rain was making the heads of lilies wilt and it was an effort to make them look pristine again.

"It became a vicious circle keeping the garden looking spotless. You couldn't relax in it.

"You would notice something was out of place then tend to it then you would see something else and tend that and all of a sudden you would spend hours working on it again.

"Me and Bob spoke about it last year that this one year would be the final year and we're just glad the sun held out for the final day.

"To get 400 people is fantastic and people feel it is a genuine goodbye.

"They feel like they won't see us again but I'm sure they will."

And Mr Kowalczuk said the gate to their magic garden may be kept ajar. He revealed: "You never know we may open on the odd occasion once in a while. You can never say never."

Last summer the pair spent more than a week setting up 1,000 lights, including flares, lamps, chandeliers and candles for a night time event which was organised to raise money for Compton Hospice.

It was these lights that proved so popular by night time as it evoked mysterious moods as the garden glowed from lanterns.

Mr Park and Mr Kowalczuk were often pictured with their dogs Teddy and Rupert at their Wolverhampton home, a place they described as 'an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy urban surroundings'.

Their pets gave the true feeling of a domestic setting amidst the gorgeous surrounding of plants and flowers.

And guests were more than welcomed in their home with the pair offering tea and cakes for visitors to enjoy as they strolled around the 75 ft by 21 ft garden.

But the gardeners have had struggles with the elements in the past. In 2012 the award-winning garden was left in tatters after high winds blew over a stretch of wall. Prized potted plants and borders were destroyed at the terraced house. Heavy rain caused a 10ft stretch of the Victorian wall to topple over, landing on the flower beds.

For the final viewing last weekend the owners even made garden equipment available for sale to visitors. This included umbrellas and furniture.

Former art teacher Mr Parker, 74, said he was looking forward to relaxing in the garden.

He said: "It's sad in a way but I'm looking forward to enjoying the garden and appreciating it for myself.

"I'm glad we had this final day because while we have had many regulars there have been people just a few doors down who have come here for the first time."