Two couples in Henleaze are to open their gardens to the public to raise money for charity.

Rod and Sue Jones of Montroy Close and Pat and Graham Thomas of Glenwood Road have had their back gardens accepted into the National Garden Scheme, which helps to open private gardens for charity.

Sue, 65, a retired deputy head teacher and Rod, 65, a retired head teacher, asked to be included in the scheme after they opened their garden last summer for the Henleaze Gardens open day, which takes place every two years.

Sue said: "We enjoyed the Henleaze Gardens day, and thought it would be a shame to wait another two years for the next one. I was surprised when the NGS accepted us, and when they asked me if I knew anyone else that would be interested I immediately thought of Pat and Graham. The idea is that people can buy a ticket which will mean they can visit both gardens."

Sue and Rod have lived in Montroy Close for 33 years. Sue said: "The garden was a nightmare when we first arrived. But we have put lots of effort in over the years. Hopefully the weather will hold out for the open day and lots of people will visit."

Pat, 71, a retired secretary and Graham, 73, a retired engineer and estate manager at Frenchay Hospital, have lived in their home on Glenwood Road for 31 years.

They say that their garden is a labour of love.

Pat said: "It was a mess when we first got here – in fact we thought we only had half the garden we do have because it was so overgrown. We filled seven skips when we were clearing it. Our 10-year-old granddaughter Lucie helps out a lot in the garden and takes an interest, which is nice to see. We spend some time working out there every day, it is very enjoyable for us."

Graham added: "It certainly keeps us fit – it is cheaper than going to the gym."

The Jones' garden, at 16, Montroy Close, is on a corner plot with a stream-fed pond, a pebble beach and a lawn with curving flower beds.

The Thomas's, at 6, Glenwood Road, have a woodland garden with shrubs, herbaceous borders, a rock garden, fishpond and lawn – which Graham says doubles as a football pitch.

The gardens will be open on June 21 from 2pm to 6pm, and both will be offering refreshments. Tickets cost £3 per person.

For more information, visit www.ngs.org.uk.