Garden gate to shut after 37 years

They have been opening up their glorious garden for decades, but this year marks the last hurrah for Chris and Donna Dumbell.

Members of the public have been visiting the couple's four-acre garden for the past 37 years. During one summer at the peak of its popularity, the pretty patch at Lower Hall attracted more than 500 visitors.

Mr and Mrs Dumbell, aged 81 and 76 respectively, will be opening up their backyard in Worfield, near Bridgnorth, for the final time on Sunday from 2-6pm. They said they were hanging up their gardening gloves due to their age but would always have greenfingers.

Mrs Dumbell said: "My husband has always been a very keen gardener and my mother loved it too so it's part of the family really.

"We have some wonderful plants, trees and shrubs – some rare and unusual specimens."

The couple, who have three grown-up children and five grandchildren, first opened their gates following advice from the National Garden Scheme. The group publishes the annual Yellow Book, which lists the best gardens county by county.

Mrs Dumbell said: "It's four acres and we have a walled garden, woodland area, watergarden and a large pond with bridges over it.

"The River Worfe flows through too so it really is very pretty.

"We are both still active in the garden although we have two gardeners to help, but I think my husband spends more time out there than they do.

"We have a lot of very happy memories but I think now the time is right to call it a day. It is a lot of work and we have to make sure everything is perfect with not a weed in sight or leaf out of place."

The couple met in Mrs Dumbell's native Iowa in the United States.

Mr Dumbell was over there studying and the pair met at a dance – Mrs Dumbell said it was love at first sight and the pair have been married for 56 years.

The couple's house, called The Lower Hall, is just past The Dog public house in Worfield. Admission is £3.50 and their neighbour's stunning garden will also be open to members of the public on Sunday.