A LARGE Mary Tavy Garden will be open to the public this weekend to raise money for a disaster relief charity.

Pat Woodhouse will be opening the gates to her garden 'St Raphael' on Saturday and Sunday, showing off her eclectic mix of mature trees, shrubs, a new summer herbaceous border in the Gertrude Jekyll style, rows of ancient standing stones, troughs, millstones a huge working cider press and some of her husband Dave's garden sculptures.

Pat and Dave are opening their garden to raise money for Helston based charity ShelterBox.

Dave normally takes to his bike to raise funds for ShelterBox but recently he has discovered a love of watercolour painting. Following lessons with one of the countries leading watercolourists, John Hoar, he has put brush to paper to create some atmospheric and architectural paintings which will be on display during the garden's opening.

Fifteen per cent of any sale will be given to ShelterBox.

The garden — last house on the right past the church — will be open from 11am to 6pm both days.

Entrance is £3 and refreshments will be available.