A ‘HIDDEN gem’ garden is to be opened to the public for one day only.

Set in an unassuming location behind a typical 1970s housing estate, the garden at St Peter’s Park, Northop, is a treasure trove of rare species of trees and shrubs, exotic climbers and unique rustic buildings.

Owner Philip Hunt, a professional botanist and horticulturalist, started work on the garden in 1976 with one ash tree while the rest of the land was an open field.

He said: “I have put a lot of work into it over the years, but it has been something I have enjoyed doing. It is a complete difference, there was one tree when I started, now there are thousands.

“It is secluded and nobody expects to see it.

“There are some exotic things out, people are going to see things they haven’t seen before. it is a real treat for keen gardeners.”

Philip spent many years cultivating the land and the garden is now laid out as lawn, cut with various borders, with a brick path running the length of the garden.

The garden at 90 St Peter’s Park is open to the public on Saturday between 2pm and 5pm for the National Gardens Scheme.

Tickets cost £3 for adults, children get free entry, and money raised goes towards a number of cancer charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices.