Celebrating 40 years of partnership with Perennial

Summer 2026

Perennial, the welfare charity that supports everyone working in horticulture, celebrated 40 years of partnership with the National Garden Scheme on 27th June 2026, with a VIP event at York Gate Garden near Leeds.  

The sun shone as Perennial welcomed The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Professor Adeeba Malik CBE and her Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Victoria Wainright, and the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Stephen Holroyd, as well as regional representatives of the National Garden Scheme. 

The Lord Lieutenant presented a letter from Perennial’s Patron, HRH Princess Alexandra, The Hon. Lady Ogilvy to Dr. Richard Claxton, CEO of the National Garden Scheme, celebrating the £2.6 million the National Garden Scheme has raised over 40 years in support of Perennial’s work and the impact this has made on the lives of thousands of people working in horticulture.  

The event also included a private tour of the beautiful gardens and an opportunity to view an exhibition about the history of York Gate’s support for the National Garden Scheme. Guests gathered in the Summerhouse in the Herb Garden, to enjoy tea and a slice of celebratory cake, cut by the Lord Mayor, while garden visitors were treated to free cupcakes to mark the occasion.  

The National Garden Scheme raises significant funds for a wide range of nursing and health charities by offering unique access to over 3,300 exceptional private gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland including both of Perennial’s gardens – Fullers Mill in Suffolk and York Gate near Leeds. As a Perennial garden, York Gate has opened for the National Garden Scheme for 30 years and Dr. Richard Claxton presented Perennial with a commemorative plaque to mark this milestone – a great example of how both charities support each other.  

Many of the gardens that open for the National Garden Scheme will be looked after by professional gardeners who can face financial, physical or mental health challenges at any point in their lives. This sustained annual funding from The National Garden Scheme has enabled Perennial to invest in the development of their services so they can provide advice and practical support to thousands of people when they need it most. 

Jamie Gault, Perennial’s Chief Executive said: “The National Garden Scheme is our largest regular annual donor, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support. No one organisation can improve outcomes for the communities it supports in isolation – and without the incredible and valued support of the National Garden Scheme, Perennial would not be in the position we are today.” 

Dr. Richard Claxton said: “In 40 years £2.6 million has been donated to support Perennial’s good work, all money that has been collected by private gardens opening around the country. It was a real honour to celebrate both anniversaries. It was also a very special treat to have a tour of the beautiful gardens with the Garden Manager, whose knowledge of these gardens clearly runs as deep as his love for them. A great day and a wonderful celebration of generosity and philanthropy.”   

To find out more about the partnership CLICK HERE