Private gardens at show standards
Around 3,700 gardens are opened as part of the National Gardens Open Scheme so why not look up the details close to you for inspiration and an inspiring visit to some gorgeous private gardens of all styles and sizes?
This year makes the 90th anniversary of NGS and since is was founded in 1927, more than £50 million has been raised for charities and half of that total has been donated in the last ten years. Major individual donations amounted to £500,000 each to Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Hospice UK, with numerous other charities receiving more than £100,000 in the last year.
This is achieved through donations from visitors to the private gardens which open as part of the fundraising scheme. Most gardens open twice a year to show the different seasonal combinations and the NGS website allows you to quickly and easily find a garden local to you. Alternatively you can buy a copy of their handbook which describes each garden with care and the proceeds will also add to their charitable donations.
Just outside Chichester is the wildlife and sensory garden at the Apuldram Centre which is open under the NGS scheme on Wednesdays throughout June (12 to 3pm), admission £4 and children free.
The Homestead, Hayling Island, has gardens of an acre and a quarter surrounded by farmland. Open on the afternoon of Sunday 18 June, the owners offer a ‘quiet and peaceful atmosphere’ in their garden which features a large pond, woodland walk and a small walled garden.
For fabulous ideas for a smaller garden, visit Shepherds Cottage, described as a compact, terraced garden with wonderful views and which opens on Tuesday 20 June and Thursday 22 June.
For more details about locations and opening times, visit the NGS website, or if you have a wonderful garden you’d like to share with others, the NGS has numerous volunteers who will help guide you through the process of opening your garden for charity this summer.
