NAOMI Cryer struggled to contain her joy after her garden was selected as part of the National Garden Scheme – fulfilling an 11-year dream she shared with her late husband Mike.

Naomi, of Kempley, near Dymock, first drew up plans with Mike for their new home 11 years ago.

When Mike died in 2009, Naomi decided to continue the work – and believes hosting an open garden is a fitting tribute to her late husband.

"I'm very pleased," she said.

"It was always an ambition of Mike's to do this.

"We drew up the plans together and I just wanted to see them through.

"Getting onto the scheme is great but raising money for charity is also fantastic."

Naomi's garden is one of just 800 accepted under the scheme.

She added: "I'm particularly proud of the fact that the NGS feel it is good enough to be featured.

"As a gardener, your work is never finished and continuing to develop it will be the next step.

"Gardening was Mike's second career as he obtained the Royal Horticultural Society qualifications and became a professional gardener.

"I wanted to do what he wanted – and it's what we both wanted to do when we bought this place.

"There's a great sense of pride and achievement here."

NOTE: Naomi's garden is open from 11am to 5pm on June 15-16, not June 8-9 as stated in this week's edition of The Forester.