TELL us about your gardens, and some of the unusual items you put there, we asked readers.

And you've responded with some delightful detail! This week, we feature two more local gardens. If YOU have a garden that attracts attention and praise, write and tell us about it, enclosing photos if you can, which we'll return. Send details and pictures to: GNOMES AND GARDENS, Angela Kelly, Features Department, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE or e-mail us with picture attachments on: akelly@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk. JOHN and Mary Rutter began working on the back-garden of their home in Wigan Road, Westhoughton in 1994. "It wasn't up to much -- let's be honest, it was a tip!" said John.

"Mary is the gardener and we decided to make a garden which would not be labour-intensive -- a necessity as we get older." John and Mary did it all themselves, apart from a small delivery of concrete for the shed base. "Neither of us had laid a brick before and slabs had to be kept to a reasonable size/weight to match our physical (or non-physical) attributes."

Recalls John:"It was a beautiful late summer and we worked until dusk each day. It took us 11 weeks in all but the reward is very satisfying. "We sit in the garden or summer house and we could be on a desert island, miles away, such is the tranquil and beautiful setting."

He attributes the end results of their attractive garden to Mary's "green-fingers", and says that it often elicits praise from visitors.

And our other picture above of Mary probably wondering "when will it be finished?" shows how the Rutters created their little haven from scratch.

Now, it's not only John and Mary who enjoy the blend of paved and green areas, the flowers and the fascinating variety of stone animals and figures. "My eldest grandson is eight," added Mary, "and he loves the garden, too." Marie makes it green for go . . . MRS Marie Brown had never gardened before she decided to tackle her large back-garden when she moved into her home in Carnation Road, Harper Green five years ago.

Her mum wrote in about modest Marie's subsequent efforts -- "it's a credit to her," she stated.

Marie had four young children at the time and admits that it was hard work.

But she turned it over herself and planted flowers and shrubs she liked, daffodils and rhododendrons, in a well-planned area that allowed places for the children to play and for her to enjoy the greenery.

Marie enjoys her time maintaining her garden. "I lose all track of time, sometimes, it's so nice just pottering away," she explained.

And although the garden does look lovely now, Marie admits that she "has had some disasters." And it still gives her "loads of pleasure."