More than 3,500 private gardens are opened to the public each year for a very special charity. We look at how the National Garden Scheme became part of the British horticultural landscape and its impact on healthcare
What could be more delightful than wandering through a private garden you’ve always dreamed of peeking into, marvelling at its fabulous planting scheme and being able to ask the owner how they managed to create something so spectacular?
The National Garden Scheme, which is almost 100 years old, has made that possible for garden lovers thanks to its unique relationship with more than 3,500 private gardens owners across England and Wales. But what some people may not appreciate as they take in swathes of snowdrops at Westcroft, Salisbury, or the sunken rill garden in The Old Vicarage in Rutland, is that their entry fee is saving lives. The foundations of the National Garden Scheme are steeped in a desire to provide free healthcare to people when they need it most. The NGS was set up in 1927 to help fund The Queen’s Nursing Institute, a time when, as now, the nation was obsessed with gardening. A shrewd institute member saw an opportunity to capitalise on that, by asking garden owners to open their plots up to the public for a shilling a head. More than 600 gardens opened and raised a total of £8,191. Fast forward to 2023, with celebrity ambassadors such as Mary Berry and Rachel De Thame, the NGS raised a record-breaking £3.4m for nursing and health charities through donations at garden gates. The beneficiaries include Parkinson’s UK, Marie Curie, Mencap and the horticultural charity, Perennial.
With horticulturalist George Plumptre at the helm since 2011, the NGS is more popular than ever. He explains why the charity continues to be such a success. “The secret is simplicity. The NGS is a relatively simple model based on people being incredibly generous with their time and doing everything as volunteers. Our growth from one year to the next is evolutionary, it doesn’t suddenly leap up. We're always trying to increase public awareness.”
British gardens have evolved too, since the days of beautifully manicured lawns and meticulously planned borders. With the passion for rewilding, even those who have not signed up to it whole-heartedly are taking amore relaxed and wildlife-friendly approach. That h
