TWO brothers with a flair for flowers will be showing their Stratton gardens off to the public as part of a fundraising drive later this month.

Jeff Bolton, 81, and his older brother Reg, 83, will welcome visitors on July 30 in aid of the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool.

Last year the same event managed to raise in excess of £800 for the pool, which is funded entirely through voluntary contributions.

Open gardens are always popular during the summer months, but these particular displays come with a particularly distinguished pedigree.

Jeff said: “I have been gardening all my life, it’s something I enjoy very much – I used to be the chairman of the Swindon flower show and the Wroughton gardeners.

“My brother is a Royal Horticultural Society judge and won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show this year, I do a lot of judging too.”

This year was the 20th Chelsea Flower Show that Reg has entered and the gold medal he won was just one of dozens he has taken home over the years.

His prize-winning bonsai trees have attracted critical acclaim and will be on display when he opens up his garden with brother Jeff later this month.

Speaking about his unusual interest in the trees after his Chelsea Flower Show win, he said: “It’s a relaxing and enjoyable hobby and something that goes on year-round.

“It’s something that anyone of any age can enjoy. It is miniaturising trees, making sure they are pruned correctly and it brings me a lot of joy.”

Jeff said that seeing the trees in the garden setting rather than just on a display at a show would be a real treat for members of the public, one he hopes they will make the most of in high numbers.

The open gardens will take place from 2pm until 5pm at 38 and 39 St Philip’s Road.

While parking isn’t available immediately outside the houses, the landlady of the Baker’s Arms, just a short 50 yard walk away, has offered the use of the pub car park for the afternoon.

The Bolton brothers will be asking for a minimum donation of £2 with all proceeds going to help the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool.

Jeff said: “My wife uses the hydrotherapy pool and I’ve also used it a few times.

“It isn’t cheap to run because they have to empty the pool and keep it well maintained – they’ve had some bad luck in the past too with lead being stolen and such things.

“As a charity they rely on donations without any proper funding, we think it’s an important local cause.”