WHEN he moved in Nigel Green's garden in Freshbrook was nothing but lawn, a mound of soil and a big pile of rubbish.

It was 1988 and in the years since he has transformed it into an oasis with waterfalls, bridges and a summer house that take on a fairytale appearance at night.

He said: "I decided to start from scratch, so, I dug the whole garden over, by hand, spade, a wheelbarrow and aching back. I filled 3 skips and everything had to come through the kitchen and garage.

Inspiration came from TV show Groundforce. "I was amazed how they could completely transform a garden in just a couple of days. Ha ha, little did I know that I’d still be creating mine 20 years and a fair few pounds later and still not finished! Mr Titchmarsh and co, you have a lot to answer for. Actually, it’s been a marvellous hobby and I’ve loved every minute.

"I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve done pretty much everything myself, from design, building and planting. I did have some help putting the summerhouse together, but everything else, I’ve done myself."

He likes a mix of shrubs and flowers, especially begonias - anything that adds colour but doesn't need much attention.