CELEBRATED flower arranger George Smith is preparing to throw open his famous York garden to the public next month to help raise money for charity.

Mr Smith, who received the MBE for services to flower arranging in 2004, is inviting people to Manor House and its three acres of gardens in Heslington on the evening of June 10 to raise funds for the Carers’ Resource.

The gardens are renowned for their distinctive collection of roses, irises, poppies and a wide variety of foliage plants including hosta, ferns and decorative grasses.

There is also a dry garden, water features and a sheltered walled garden, and the event includes a tour of his historic home, decorated with wonderful flower arrangements.

For more than three decades, Mr Smith has been internationally famous as one of the most celebrated demonstrators in flower decoration and horticulture. His career has taken him to floral shows across the world, including South Africa, Kenya, Taiwan and he has also delivered symposia in the United States.

He has directed flower festivals at stately homes and cathedrals in Yorkshire, in particular the dedication of York Minster’s South Transept in November 1988, has written three best-selling books on horticulture and featured in numerous publications at home and abroad.

Carers’ Resource provides help for carers of all ages and in all situations – from children who look after a parent with a disability to an elderly person who cares for their ill partner.

Anne Wells, of the Carers’ Resource, said: “Carers need help in their own right. The Carers’ Resource is a local service which is focused absolutely on carers’ needs and is in contact with more than 5,000 carers. An event like the open garden is a good way of raising money for the Carers’ Resource and all the money raised will be used for the direct benefit of local, unpaid carers – it’s also a chance for people to enjoy this most beautiful of houses and gardens,” she said.

Anyone wanting tickets for the event should phone 01423 500555.