2024 was another landmark year for the National Garden Scheme with the charity donating a record £3,501,227. The impact of these donations to our major nursing and health beneficiaries means that thousands of people who live with health conditions such as cancer or Parkinson’s, who have poor mental health, or who struggle financially as unpaid carers, have been supported by our funding of the nurses, health professionals and case workers who support them. Our funding also provides support to those in the Gardens and Health sector, to community gardens and to those working in horticulture.
There are still a few opportunities to get out in a garden this year with some of our December garden openings. From the award-winning gardens at Athelhampton in Dorset to illuminated gems you can explore them here…
There’s still time to enter our Christmas book raffle and be in with a chance of winning one of the best gardening books to be published in 2024. Generously donated by their authors, these books will inspire and delight. Tickets are just £5 and all funds raised are in aid of the National Garden Scheme entry closes at midnight on Sunday 8th December 2025.
The first garden visits for 2025 have been announced. These early openers break the winter sleep with blankets of snowdrops and early spring bulbs. More details will be added in mid-December but, for those who love to plan ahead, here’s a tiny taster of things to come…
Julia Rausing Trust has announced a £1.5 million grant to the National Garden Scheme’s Community Garden Grants programme. The funding will aid the development of community garden projects focussed on demonstrating the health benefits of gardens, and gardening, not only to health and wellbeing, but also to the environment and communities surrounding them.
2024 has been a special year for the National Garden Scheme with its show garden at the world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show dominating the calendar in May. Discover the impact the garden has had on our work.
In 2024 we celebrate 40 consecutive years of funding for Macmillan Cancer Support. In that time we have donated over £19 million.
These pages celebrate the story of what we have funded and the garden owners inspired to open their gardens …
Exclusive collection of homeware and textiles designed by Emma Bridgewater in celebration of the National Garden Scheme at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. Its beautiful honeysuckle design is inspired by the National Garden Scheme Garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith with its beautiful woodland planting. All funds raised are in aid of the National Garden Scheme.
By opening your garden, you’re not only giving people a great day out – you’re also raising money to help those in need. In 2023, garden openings meant we could give over £3.4 million to our beneficiary charities. What’s more, you’ll join a community of thousands of other like minded garden owners, all passionate about great gardens and raising money for great causes.
Over 550 volunteers support the opening of National Garden Scheme gardens each year. From serving teas to promoting the gardens and manning the gate, there are lots of ways to get involved. And, as Naman Chaudhary explains, it couldn’t be more fun.
Each year our Little Yellow Book of Gardens and Health marks Gardens and Health Week and this year we’re celebrating the joy that gardens bring to so many!
From gardens built in healthcare settings and top tips from our garden owners to ponds designed for wildlife and community spaces there’s so much to enjoy.
We are delighted to announce that His Majesty the King will continue as Patron of the National Garden Scheme.
His Majesty was Patron of the National Garden Scheme as The Prince of Wales from 2002 and we are extremely grateful that he will continue in the role as King Charles III.
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activities throughout the year
£500,000
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£122,227
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