A HUSBAND is set to share his late wife’s treasured garden in support of counsellors who helped him through the grieving process.

Chris Whitaker-Webb will be throwing open the grounds of Dent Hall, in Colne Road, Trawden, which was the pride and joy of his partner Jules as part of the National Garden Society’s open gardens scheme.

And he will be donating 25 per cent of the funds raised for Pendleside Hospice from the June 14 and 15 showcase.

Chris said: “After my wife Jules died in August 2012, I learned that the hospice provided one on one bereavement counselling, which I took advantage of and found immeasurably helpful.

“So I decided to nominate the hospice to benefit from 25 per cent of the monies raised at the open garden event.

“The garden was Jules’ project really and allowed her to use her creativity, to nurture, develop and of course enjoy it on the good days; but it also provided a place of refuge and solitude to hide away from the world, often tucked away in our summerhouse with a bottle of wine and a good book or DVD, on the bad days.

“After she died I found it initially difficult to spend time in the garden and it started to get neglected.

“But joining the NGS provided me both with the incentive to look after it properly so I could enjoy it and remember her in it; and also the opportunity to give something back.”

Other good causes which will benefit through the open gardens scheme include Macmillan, Help the Hospices and Marie Curie.

The garden, which surrounds a 400-year-old grade II listed property, features a Parterre, lawns, herbaceous borders, shrubbery, a wildlife pond with a bridge to seating, and a hidden summerhouse in a woodland area.

Admission on the open days is £3.50 for adults, children go free, and home-made teas will be available throughout both days.