Halesowen garden with tropical twist

And walking through Peter Bridgens' Halesowen garden you would be forgiven for believing you were in a much warmer part of the world.

The unique spectacle boasts giant rhubarb type South American plants alongside Michaelmas daisies and each year dozens turn up to have a look around as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

In recent months the garden has also come to have special significance for the man for who it is his pride and joy.

Peter, aged 65, said: "I have been very ill recently and if I am completely the honest the garden has kept me sane. I would have gone mad without it - it really has been a Godsend.

"I decide to open it to the public because I like people to realise that there is this opportunity to grow things that they might never have thought of. Who knows I might even inspire people.

"Of course the most important thing is that we get the money for charity. I have had relatives who have died having suffered with cancer and I might end up with Alzheimers so they are good causes."

Peter, who claims to be the most tattooed man in Halesowen, has been opening his gardens to the public for 20 years.

Having previously lived in Pedmore, for the last five years it has been at his home in Lansdowne Road.

Around 80 people again enjoyed its hidden wonders in the latest open day last week.

Gardening has been a life-long passion for the retired transport manager.

He added: "Primarily I do this because I am a gardener. My grandfather was the head of gardening at Alton Towers and my mother was obsessive about it. I was brought up with it."