HEAVILY tattooed Peter Bridgens has used his greenfingers to create a garden fit for the most discerning visitors at his Halesowen home.

The colourful 61-year-old, who used to live in Stourbridge, has created a plantsman’s oasis at his home at 13, Landsdowne Road, Hurst Green, after moving in two years ago.

Known as the town’s most heavily tattooed man, his previous garden in Thurleigh Close, Pedmore, was regularly opened to the public as part of the National Gardens’ Scheme.

Despite a major heart attack in 2009 leaving him unable to carry out heavy work, Mr Bridgens has transformed his new garden with help from friends, especially Michael King.

“We have done a lot of work to bring the garden up to an acceptable standard for the scheme. You have to be able to sustain the interest of a plantsman or woman for 45 minutes and the quality of horticulture has to be exceptional,” said Mr Bridgens, who is set to complete his full body Japanese-themed tattoos with a wave effect around his neck and jaw line in December after 27 years of work.

The retired transport manager, whose grandfather was head gardener at Alton Towers before the First World War, is opening his garden on Sunday May 20 and Sunday June 24 from 2.30pm until 5.30pm.

The £2.50 admission charge and proceeds from sale of plants and refreshment will go to charities supported by the gardens’ scheme.