FOR a self-confessed “plantaholic” from Headley Down - who has been opening his stunning garden for charity for the past 15 years - this Bank Holiday weekend will be no exception.

Richard Thornton, 81, estimates that he has raised around £9,000 for the National Garden Scheme’s charities over the years by opening up his garden to visitors.

About a third of an acre, his sloping south-facing garden, which is not suitable for people with walking difficulties, contains breathtaking displays of rhododendrons and azaleas and rare trees and plants.

Among the many exquisite features of the garden is the rare blue Meconopsis Himalyan poppy.

“There was nothing here when we moved in 21 years ago and we created the garden and rock garden from scratch,” said a proud Mr Thornton. “I am a plantaholic and want to make my garden one of the best in Surrey.”

Created with the help of his wife Sue, a former deputy head of Waverley Abbey School in Tilford before her retirement, under gardeners include family members like his son Simon, the current Mayor of Godalming, who helped with the construction of the brick walls and steps.

Although a stroke last year slowed his gardening exploits for a number of months, Mr Thornton is now back on top form and looking forward to opening his garden again this weekend.

It is also an opportunity for the family to get together and to meet up with friends the couple have known for many years.

“I am very proud of my garden and have been to China five times and seen many of the plants that now grow in my garden,” Mr Thornton said.

Gardening for as long as he can remember, Mr Thornton, a former commercial artist with a studio in London, also enjoys painting landscapes in oils and acrylics.

A member of the Grayshott Gardeners, Headley Horticultural Society and national groups, Mr Thornton’s garden at Sandy Slopes, Honeysuckle Lane, GU35 8EH, is open on Saturday, May 27, Sunday, May 28, and Bank Holiday Monday, May 29 from 2pm to 5.30pm. Entrance costs £3.50 adults and afternoon teas are available.