THE garden at High Glanau Manor has thrilled visitors since opening to the public for the first National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

Eighty-five years later, it is one of just four gardens in Wales to have maintained an unbroken link with the UK-wide scheme since 1927, which has raised more than £35 million for health charities.

The privately-owned manor and garden, between Trellech and Monmouth, is Grade Two* listed.

Its link with the NGS is strong due to H Avray Tipping, then architectural editor of Country Life magazine, who laid out the garden in 1922.

He was on the first NGS committee and lived at High Glanau until his death in 1933.

Current owners Hilary and Helena Gerrish yesterday received a plaque commemorating its status as an original NGS garden still welcoming visitors today.

For Mrs Gerrish, the garden has become a labour of love in the ten years since they moved in.

As well as ongoing renovation, she has researched and written a book called Edwardian Country Life, about Tipping and in particular, High Glanau Manor.

"It has changed my life, and while it is a big responsibility, it is a tremendous pleasure," said Mrs Gerrish.

"This is a very special place, and the scheme is an excellent way to enable people to share it."

* The garden will be open through the National Garden Scheme on Sunday May 13, 2pm-6pm, admission £4 (children free). Details of this and other gardens can be found at www.ngs.org.uk