The beautiful Bolam Cottage Garden was named overall winner in Castle Morpeth Council's annual gardening awards last year and previously made it to the finals of a national newspaper contest.

Now members of the public can see its two-acres of splendour for themselves as owner Heather Russell once more throws open the gates for the National Garden Scheme.

The initiative aims to raise money for cancer charities and will include a plant stall, refreshments, live open-air music by Musica Botanica and an exhibition of sculpture by local artist Dennis Killgallon.

However, the star of the show is the garden itself, which includes more than 100 clematis and a recreated dry river bed, with various sections contributing to the whole, including Winter, courtyard, contemplation and Autumn gardens.

"I have been involved in this scheme for a number of years now," said Mrs Russell. "Over the years we have made thousands of pounds for the charities.

"This is such a lovely part of the countryside and a lot of people who come say this is the best garden they have ever seen.

"Generally gardens fade by August, but our garden is planted to be interesting for a very long season, for example the contemplation garden looks wonderful in October."

When Mrs Russell and her husband moved to the 200-year-old gardener's cottage 25 years ago the plot had fallen into disrepair and neglect so a JCB was the first tool they used.

Gradually they cleared the site and Mrs Russell set to work developing the plot in the early 90s, joining the Hardy Plant Society and picking up new skills as she progressed.

Now the garden is filled with colour, unusual planting, features and sculptures and regularly attracts visitors from across the country and abroad.

Some of the most recent guests were a party from Russia, who saw the garden's website and insisted on a visit.

"I haven't always been keen on gardening, but I sort of grew with it. I had no qualifications, but I learned as I went along," said Mrs Russell.

"It is a wonderful thing to have and there is lots to read and find out and understand. Once I got the bit between my teeth I joined the Hardy Plants Society and I have learned an awful lot since then because there are a lot of knowledgeable people involved."

The garden now takes up much of Mrs Russell's time and for someone less enthusiastic it could turn into a chore, but she delights in putting her creative skills to good use and enjoys the outdoors.

"It is very difficult and I have to put in many hours, but there is no better place and no other place I would rather be," she said.

"I get so much fresh air in the garden, it is lovely.

"The garden has grown with me and I have grown with the garden and it is now a great interest. It is a passion."

The garden is situated near Bolam Hall.

The open day takes place on Sunday, July 13, from 2pm to 6pm.