And each year they share this glorious setting for a weekend with hundreds of visitors when they fling open their gates for charity.

This year they will open for the fifth successive time under the National Gardens Scheme over the bank holiday weekend of May 30 and 31, inviting visitors not just to look around a jewel of a garden but also to enjoy mouth-watering traditional teas in a truly lovely and evocative setting.

Transforming the six-acre grounds has been a labour of love for the couple over the past seven years since they took on the challenge of a listed house in serious need or refurbishing along with a derelict 17th-century water mill and sorely-neglected garden complete with its own mill pond.

For Anne, a passionate gardener, it was the kind of restoration project she relished and the glorious result is a testament to both the couple's hard work and invaluable help from landscape architect and horticulturalist Bunny Guinness who had redesigned the garden at their former home in Guildford.

"The garden is very important to the house - for us it had to be right to get the most out of the house itself," said Anne.

"We had a lot of problems when we moved here because we had taken on a separate house and a derelict water mill and we wanted to link the two together. And the garden had been neglected for many years - the bones of the structure were there, but we wanted to pull the whole lot together.

"We extended the water so that we now have another pool, with decking over to link them. And we were able to re-use some of the old plants and retain some of the established trees.

"I've done most of the planting myself and I've had more time recently which is good as although the garden is now mature, development is very much ongoing.

"We've rebuilt a very old greenhouse and I propagate a lot of plants - when we open for charity we have a very big plant sale so we sell a lot of what I've propogated as well as those donated by other people.

"There are lots of unusual plants, some of them in unusual containers, and visitors will see all the glorious spring colour. I've planted a lot of box knot hedging which gives you marvellous structure.

"On the mill lake there are several different varieties of ducks and we also keep rare-breed chickens and bantams - at this time of year there are lots of chicks and ducklings."

Although the beautiful mill pond is a magnificent focal point, the heavy and wet clay soil can prove a challenge for Anne, who has risen to this by creating eight raised vegetable beds, another inspiration for keen gardeners.

And while the 500 or so visitors expected to flock to Lowder Mill over the bank holiday weekend can be sure of exploring a wonderful English country garden, they will also be in for another treat typical of an early summer scene in England.

Sumptuous teas are served on vintage china in the garden room on the top floor of the restored former water mill and add the perfect finishing touch to a day in this enchanting horticultural haven.

Lowder Mill will be open from 11am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31. It is situated at Bell Vale Lane, Fernhurst GU27 3DJ.

Gardens wanted!

Open gardens with a difference is being planned for Chichester.

The aim of the first Garden Trail organised by Transition Chichester and Chichester Organic Gardening Society, is to inspire and inform people about ways of getting more out of their patch of land, in a sustainable way.

So, whether you are an accomplished self-sufficient gardener, or just proud of your peas, pond or pepper pots, you could be part of this exciting environmental event on Sunday, June 28, 2-5pm.

You may have vegetables in a small town garden, or great composting set up, or novel ways of attracting wildlife. Your garden certainly doesn't have to be immaculate - that's not the point.

Sustainability, in all its forms, is the theme, and someone who knows about your garden, and sustainable gardening in general, should be present when members of the public wander round.

It all looks to be fun and sociable too, and a great way of getting to know who is passionate too about the local environment.

If you would like more information, or to register your garden for the trail, tel Kate Sabin on 01243 787827, or email katesabin@phonecoop.coop. Visit too, www.transitionchichester.org and www.chicogs.org.uk.