Spotted a fancy front garden in Ferme Park Road?

Ham & High: Tony Brookes wants to encourage Crouch End's gardeners to brighten up the area. Picture: Joshua ThurstonTony Brookes wants to encourage Crouch End's gardeners to brighten up the area. Picture: Joshua Thurston (Image: © Joshua Thurston - All Rights Reserved)

Crouch End man Tony Brookes was delighted when passers-by started complimenting the red, white and blue themed front garden he's put together over the past few years - and now he's hoping to inspire others around N8 to put their best green fingers forward.

Tony, a lecturer at UCL, told this newspaper he was very proud of his 3m by 4m plot.

Of his garden which is a mix of pots and trees, he said: "I think in the last year or two I've really enjoyed it."

He even has a 'Mediterranean corner' on one side of his window - complete with olive and eucalyptus trees.

Ham & High: Tony Brookes wants to encourage Crouch End's gardeners to brighten up the area. Picture: Joshua ThurstonTony Brookes wants to encourage Crouch End's gardeners to brighten up the area. Picture: Joshua Thurston (Image: © Joshua Thurston - All Rights Reserved)

Tony threw down the gauntlet to others who might think they've got a prettier garden than him.

He added: "Quite often people are very complimentary about my garden.

"It would be good to encourage others. Around Crouch End I always think: 'It's a shame, they've concreted around that.'"

"It's amazing what you can do with a little bit of time and effort."

Want to take Tony up on his challenge? Contact Sam at the Ham&High on Sam.Volpe@Archant.co.uk