Susan Bennett issues a plea for other dedicated gardeners to join in the National Garden Scheme - and help raise funds for their favourite charities.

When Maureen Lipman chose ours as her "favourite garden" for a fundraising event at the Museum of Garden History in 1995, we could never have predicted it would lead us – literally - up the garden path. Over 20 years we had created a unique garden as we purchased land adjoining our original tiny plot, including a derelict piece of tarmac about the size of a tennis court.

To contrast with the green swathe, herbaceous borders and weeping willow, my partner Earl created a magnificent oriental area with moongate-mirrored walls topped with RAKU tiles (made on site in our studio) and containers full of colourful and unusual plants.

Overlooking the large pond (excavated with a road drill) a red, blue and gold pagoda glistens, reflected in the water. Wildlife abounds. Frogs, newts and dragonflies keep the curious Koi company, while foxes drink and birds bathe in the waterfalls. Sensual and visual stimulation melts into a tangible atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Maureen's recommendation alerted the local press, who in turn alerted the National Garden Scheme (ngs). We agreed to a request from their regional organiser to visit the garden. Whooping and wowing increased at each new vista - we seemed to fit the criteria - plenty of interest, well-maintained, good structure and accessibility - “Please will you join the scheme?” Suddenly our wish to share our creation could be granted - as well as raising money for causes close to our hearts.

Since the scheme began in 1927, well over £20 million has been donated to charity through the generosity of mainly private garden owners. Grander gardens like Sandringham, Heligan and Wisley also support the ngs. Over 3,300 gardens described in the Yellow Book can be visited throughout the country. The main beneficiaries are Macmillan Cancer Relief, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and other caring causes, as well as bursaries to the National Trust for training gardeners.

Ten years on, we have become a “star” garden. Our plant sale is a great draw, many specimens grown from cuttings and seeds; the quality of our cakes is legendary - especially Earl's mega chocolate gateau and rocket fuel fruitcake - reportedly “Better than Fortnum and Masons”.

Gallant volunteers man the gate, serve teas and sell plants, even on the wettest days, while Earl and I explain that the blue marbled columns of the temple are cut offs from Muswell Hill's renewed water mains, and name plants - all “anonymous vulgaris” - when I forget. Last year we raised over £5,500 for charity.

The garden has featured in books, magazines and on TV. The BBC filmed it for Chelsea Week in 2003 and invited us to comment on the show alongside Monty Don, Charlie Dimmock and Jo Swift.

We embarked on this new venture in our 50s with trepidation, it has to be admitted. It has been challenging, but life-enhancing, stimulating and exhilarating. We have recently been appointed Assistant County Organizers for the ngs. One of our remits is to find NEW gardens. So do YOU have a special garden you would love to share, or do you know of a gem waiting to be discovered? If so, then the National Gardens Scheme would love to hear from you!

 The "Yellow Book" published by the National Garden Scheme, is the perfect guide for all garden visitors, detailing over 3,300 gardens, that open to the public for charity. It is available at good bookshops throughout the country for just £7.99.

More info on The National Gardens Scheme at their HQ - Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Surrey GU4 7RT, or telephone 01483 211535