THE FUTURE of an idyllic seven-acre garden which has been created from scratch is now secure following its transfer to a horticultural charity.

Fullers Mill Garden, near West Stow, is now under the ownership and management of Perennial, the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society.

Bernard Tickner, 88, moved to Fullers Mill in 1958 and began creating the garden - which is open to the public - in what was an area of rough scrub and woodland.

Perennial will work with the garden staff to continue to keep the “unique” garden alive for people to enjoy and learn from.

Mr Tickner said: “It’s a big relief to me because it means the garden will be sustained well after I’m gone.”

In 2004 he and his late wife Bess donated the garden to a private charitable trust, but he said Perennial would ensure the long-term future of the garden.

He said he would continue to fund the garden, adding he would leave money to Perennial in a special fund for its management.

Perennial chief executive Richard Capewell said the charity was “enormously grateful” to him for the opportunity to preserve Fullers Mill Garden.

The garden combines woodland with rare and unusual shrubs, perennials, lilies and marginal plants offering year-round interest.

It is open until the end of September on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm.

Tea, coffee, and home-made cake and plants are for sale. For more information visit www.fullersmillgarden.org.uk or call 01284 728888.