ASKHAM Bryan College lecturer and BBC Radio York gardening expert Nigel Harrison has combined his passions for photography and horticulture to launch a new charity exhibition of stunning close-up flower images at Helmsley Walled Garden.

Inviting visitors to ‘Move Closer’, the display features nearly 30 stunning close-up images of flowers, revealing hidden beauty often only seen through the intense gaze of a macro lens.

Aimed at raising funds for Leukaemia Research Yorkshire, the exhibition will run in the Orchid House at the walled gardens from today until October 17, with all prints sold in aid of the charity.

A lecturer in horticulture for more than 20 years and a freelance garden landscaper, Nigel’s interest in combining gardening with photography started at a very early age. His first pay packet as an apprentice gardener went towards his first Zenith camera.

These days Nigel, who lives near York, uses modern Nikon digital technology to help achieve his signature close-up views of flowers and plants.

He said: “I love to see the beautiful, delicate detail at the heart of a flower, something most people miss because they are in too much of a rush. You need to slow down and get closer, hence the title of the exhibition.

“When you take the time to look closely, nature often reveals a few surprises, in the structure, shapes and amazing colours hidden inside the petals.”

It is the second exhibition staged by Nigel at the walled garden in aid of Leukaemia Research, the first took place in 2005. His brother-in-law, Stephen Barker, who lived and farmed in the Helmsley area, died from the disease eight years ago.

The display will be officially opened at noon by Julia Lewis, who presents BBC Radio York’s weekly gardening and lifestyle programme.