NEIGHBOURS are opening their garden to the community to raise money for charity.

Alan Swann and Ahmed Farooqui, who live on Ashley Road, near Crouch End, have spent the last year “experimenting” with colourful and exotic flowers.

They have been creating a design for people to visit during bank holiday Sunday 29 and Monday 30.

After raising £1,900 with their garden last year, the men are hoping to beat this total this spring with their display of Japanese maples, ferns and alpines.

Mr Farooqui said: “We’ve expanded our collection of ferns and Japanese maples, and created a new meditation garden to give the eyes a rest from what is generally a very exuberant garden.”

Neighbours are helping the pair with their efforts to support the National Gardens Scheme.

Mr Swann praised his neighbours for their support with raising money.

He said: “Our friends and neighbours have been brilliant.

“They are baking delicious cakes and bringing in plants raised from seed to be sold at the Open Garden, as well as volunteering to run the cafe and staff the plants stall.

“All the money raised goes to nine charities supported by the National Garden Scheme such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Carers Trust.”

Bron Manning, a neighbour, said: “We loved being part of the Open Garden event last year, as it brought the neighbourhood together.

“It was a very nice atmosphere for people to relax and have tea and cakes with friends in lovely surroundings.”

Entry to the garden is £3.50 but children can go free.

All proceeds will go to charity.