EXPECT the unexpected is the message for visitors to an unusual urban garden which visitors can see next weekend.

Banana plants and bamboos sit next to ferns and hostas at 74 Meadow Road at Wythall, just off the M42, near Redditch, and the garden includes a dramatic piece of modern art.

The first surprise comes, though, when you look beyond the lawn and pond to discover that another world lies just out of view.

Find the tunnel through the trees at the end of the lawn and you will be stepping into a woodland trail awash with shade-loving plants, pines, eucalyptus, silver birch and tree ferns.

The garden, with its 100 yards of woodland, will be open as part of the National Gardens Scheme.

Visitors are promised lots of conifers, a huge Christmas tree along with a statue made from a mix of natural and metal elements and a seated area known by its owners Joe Manchester and his partner Michelle Pritchard as the peace garden.

At this time of year, there should also be a splash of colour thanks to aqueligia and just-flowering foxgloves that are thriving in the sunshine.

Miss Pritchard said: “We inherited the garden when we moved here eight years ago.

“It was a beautiful garden and Joe didn’t want to let it go. He has kept it up and added to it.”

According to Miss Pritchard, this beautiful garden was first opened to the public a year ago as a tribute to Mr Manchester’s late mother Winifred.

After she died from breast cancer in Canada Mr Manchester decided to give the money he raised through a plant sale to a local hospice.

A bench in the garden has also been dedicated to Mrs Manchester with a plaque displaying her name.

Miss Pritchard said: “I think he raised about £430 and it was a really good day.

“This year, whatever is left after we’ve donated to the National Gardens Scheme, will go to St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Oak, Birmingham.”

* 74 Meadow Road, Wythall, B47 6EQ. Open Saturday, May 28, and Sunday, May 29, (2-5pm).

Admission £2.50, children free.

Refreshments. Contact 01564 829589.