5 St Regis, Muswell Hill: A garden that gives

Susan Bennett and Earl Hyde have opened their garden for the National Garden Scheme since 1996 and raised over £115,000 for the charity in that time. Opening their garden and sharing it with others has always brought a great sense of joy, but the recent loss of Susan’s brother brought home a powerful understanding of what opening their garden really means. This is Susan’s story…

It is almost 30 years since Maureen Lipman chose to depict our garden as her “favourite” for a fundraising auction at the Museum of Garden History. It led to an invitation to join the National Garden Scheme. Earl and I have opened three times a year ever since. 

Like many visitors, attracted by bright yellow posters, I had taken my mother to enjoy tea and cake in lovely gardens while on holiday in Devon. I had no idea where the entrance money went.  

I soon learned the rich history that included how District Nursing was inspired by Liverpool industrialist, William Rathbone taking on a private nurse to care for his wife in 1859, keeping her on after her death to help the deprived in the area. Supported by Florence Nightingale and Queen Victoria, funds were raised to recruit and train nurses.  In 1927 the National Garden Scheme was founded by the Queens Nursing Institute, raising money by individuals opening their gardens for a shilling a head. 

Almost one hundred years later, the National Garden Scheme continues to fund some of the UK’s best-loved nursing and healthcare charities including Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hospice UK, QNI, Carer’s Trust, Parkinson’s UK and many other garden and health charities.   

 Shortly before our first event on April 28th, my only brother, Brian Rose was suddenly diagnosed with inoperable cancer. It was a HUGE shock. He was single, 78, and had been told his conditions were all treatable.  He had been called back to hospital  urgently. I was called by a doctor “Sorry to tell you Susan, we have found cancer cells in all his major organs. Palliative care. Weeks to live.” 

I was torn apart. From his bed Brian urged me “Get on with the Garden Opening. More people will benefit than you sitting here with me.”  

He was a Buddhist. Totally at peace, but keen to be back in his own home.  I had no idea where to turn. 

Macmillan took over. Handing over to St Luke’s Hospice (that Brian had supported for years) a hospital bed and essential equipment was ordered, medication, GP supervision, nursing visits – all  FREE.  Plus, a key safe   to give his wonderful carers access. 

Once home, Brian was able to spend his final weeks, albeit bedridden, pain free, enjoying visits from friends, neighbours, fellow Buddhists who chanted with and for him.    

Now we both had peace of mind. I felt held, safely, so much anxiety was lifted from my heart, grateful for the professionalism and care that was priceless.  

Brian died on May 15th. On his bed, a red rose given to him by a carer, and a photo of our mother Bertie Rose. 

Last year Earl and I raised over £8,500 by opening our garden to visitors, including groups, and coach parties from Austria and the USA. 

Little did I know then, that I was to become a beneficiary of the charities supported by the National Garden Scheme.  The reality of what we do became tangible.  

So, next time you visit a National Garden Scheme garden you can be sure the money you donate will be a blessing to an unknown recipient like me.  

Our garden will be open again on Sunday 4th August.  Do join us . A warm welcome awaits whatever the weather, thanks to our dream team of volunteers without whom  we could not achieve what we do.  

For more details of the garden opening at 5 St Regis Close in Muswell Hill, London on Sunday 4th August (and by arrangement for groups of 10+ until October) click here