A SECRET garden tended by a mother and daughter has opened its gates to the public.

Ros Bissell and her mother, Ros Johnson, are a pair of self-confessed “plantaholics” who share a country home near Edwyn Ralph.

They have tended Moors Meadow Garden since it became the family home 50 years ago and open the seven-acre site every summer weekend.

But while it’s a labour of love for the owners, it’s also a testament and a tribute to their husbands.

One of the garden’s latest additions is a sculpture designed by the late Dave Bissell, who died of cancer in March 2006.

The Gulf War veteran was a keen metalworker and designed a web to adorn his headstone, which also includes his poem.

While other pieces – benches and a pair of dragonfly-themed gates – lie around the garden, Dave never completed his final sculpture, leaving his friend Henry Pomfret to finish the project.

According to Mrs Bissell, Dave wasn’t much of a gardener, but the sculptures are a poignant addition.

“He was very ill, but he did more in his final four years that many people would do in their whole lifetime,” she said.

“Whenever it was damp he would go to the smithy and work – I think what he did was amazing.”

Moors Meadow has been the lifetime passion of Mrs Johnson, whose husband is also buried in the grounds.

Her daughter moved back before her husband died, and their lives now revolve around the garden.

“Our garden needs to be seen to be believed, as we are plantaholics and we’ll try to grow anything,” said Mrs Bissell.

“It’s so lovely and peaceful. I don’t think there’s a garden like this in Herefordshire.”

Moors Meadow Garden is signposted from the B4214. For details contact 01885 410318 or visit moorsmeadow.co.uk.