THIS weekend, visitors will be offered the chance to visit the stunning garden of Altrinchams horticultural royalty, Mary Eastwood, for the final time.

Mary, of 35 Heyes Lane Timperley, has decided to join in with the British Red Cross’ “Open Gardens” programme for 2014, allowing gardening fans full access to the beautiful garden she has spent so many years cultivating.

After a two year break, the 85 year old former British Red Cross volunteer thought the cause was worth one final go.

On Sunday 11 May, Mary and her husband David will open the gates from 2pm until 5pm to anyone who wants to get a closer look at this magical, organic, cottage style garden.

Mary has been involved with a number of open garden schemes over the last 20 years, with the first visitors invited through the original British Red Cross programme.

In a fitting tribute to that first visit over two decades ago, Mary has decided to open the garden one last time to raise money for the international aid charity once more.

Clare McManmon, Senior Community Fundraiser with the British Red Cross says; “We are so thrilled to have the Open Garden scheme back in Cheshire for 2014, and even more thrilled to have Mary involved. This is the last time members of the public will have the opportunity to look around this amazing small garden, and the fact that Mary has chosen to support the British Red Cross – as she did over 20 years ago for her first open garden – is really lovely”.

Entry to the garden is £3 and all visitors will be given tea and biscuits as an extra treat. Mary will have plants on sale and is more than happy to pass on her green-fingered advice to budding gardening fans.

For a full list of all the Open Gardens in the area, simply go to redcross.org.uk/get-involved/events/open-gardens or contact Clare McManmon at cmcmanmon@redcross.org.uk