And to mark the achievement the NGS has presented the Mersey family - which owns Bignor - with a flowering cherry, Prunus ‘Shirofugen’, now planted in Bignor’s 11 acre grounds. Three generations of the Mersey family have welcomed visitors to the gardens since 1935 to raise money for the NGS which each year donates £2.6 million to Macmillan, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and other nursing and caring charities. The next opening at Bignor Park is on Sunday (July 10) from 2-5pm, when the series of walled and romantic gardens will be in flower with roses, annuals and summer perennials. The large areas of lawn that surround the main house have magnificent plantings of Cedars of Lebanon and Holm Oaks and stunning views of the South Downs. Home made teas will be served all afternoon and there will be a plant stall. Dogs on leads are welcome. Bignor Park is 5 miles south of Petworth and Pulborough, well signposted from the B2318. . Admission £5, children free. Further information: www.ngs.org or www.bignorpark.co.uk