National Gardens Scheme

The National Gardens Scheme opens gardens in England and Wales for charity. It was founded in 1927 in England with the aim of "opening gardens of quality, character and interest to the public for charity". The scheme has raised over £40 million since it began, and over half a million garden visits occur each year.[1]

When the scheme began 609 private gardens were opened and £8,191 was raised. A small number of the original "pioneer" gardens still participate in the Scheme, while many more have joined. Over 3,700 gardens were open in 2013. County organisers are responsible for vetting gardens to make sure they are of sufficient interest.[2]

Visitor information is published in a publication called "The Yellow Book". There is another Yellow Book for Scotland's Gardens Scheme.[2] Some gardens open once a year. However, the NGS advises that as the climate in Britain can be unpredictable opening twice can ensure a greater chance of fine weather.

Charities supported

Originally the admission fees raised money for district nurses, although the creation of the National Health Service in 1948 changed the nature of the support required. In 1980, the National Gardens Scheme Charitable Trust was launched as an independent charity with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as patron. The current patron is Charles, Prince of Wales.[3] The Queen's Nursing Institute is still one of the charities supported. along with Perennial, Macmillan Cancer Support and others.

Media interest

The National Gardens Scheme was featured in a Twofour produced BBC2 programme Open Gardens.

References

  1. ↑ "Yellow Book" (2008). National Gardens Scheme.
  2. 1 2 Follow the yellow guide road to great British gardens: Private gardens open for charity under the National Gardens Scheme and Scotland's Gardens Scheme.(Features)(Homefront). The Christian Science Monitor. 2002. Retrieved via HighBeam Research (subscription required. (March 18, 2013).
  3. ↑ 2008 annual report.
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