Two green-fingered residents are hoping to raise £1,000 for charity in two days by opening their garden to the public this weekend.

Alan Swann and Ahmed Farooqui are inviting people to visit their back garden in Ashley Rise, Hornsey Rise over a weekend this month to discuss gardening tips over tea and homemade cakes – all in aid of raising funds for the National Gardens Scheme.

Neither hosts are professional gardeners, but some of their outdoor sculptures recently featured in an exhibition at the Espacio Gallery in Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch.

Mr Swann, 58, a doctor, said: “The National Garden Scheme has ties to a number of charities. Something close to my heart is its links to helping people with cancer, supporting those returning to work after surviving the illness.

“We hope the garden will interest people looking for ideas for their own gardens.

“Space is precious so we’ve created a number of micro habitats.

Mr Farooqui, 56, added: “When we started work on the garden 12 years ago there was no grand plan.

“Some things worked and others didn’t. You might say we built around the successes.

The opening at 36 Ashley Road is on May 26 and 27. Entry to the garden is £3.50 (children free). All proceeds will go to charities supported by the National Gardens scheme.